GERALD “GERRY” DUFF
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Gerald “Gerry” Patrick Duff of St. Clairsville, OH passed away on August 5, 2025 at the age of 78. He was born on March 5, 1947 in Haverhill, MA to the late Henry and Kathleen McCarthy Duff. Gerry attended Merrimack College receiving a history degree. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1971.
Gerry was a law clerk to the legendary Federal Judge Joseph Kinneary in Columbus, OH. He was a founding partner of Hanlon, Duff, Paleudis and Estadt in St. Clairsville, OH and then an associate of Myser & Myser of Bridgeport, OH. He was admitted to the bar of the State of Ohio in 1971, Massachusetts in 1972 and Pennsylvania in 1995. He was also admitted to practice in various Federal Trial and Appellate Courts and the United States Supreme Court. Gerry successfully tried over 100 jury trials in his 46 year law career.
Gerry was active in the local chapter of Easter Seals and a long time member of the Belmont Hills Country Club. He was a loyal member of the St. Mary’s Parish. Gerry was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Jeopardy, Ted Williams and Winston Churchill. He was a daily crossword puzzler and reader whose favorite topic was World War II history. His absolute pride and joy were his grandchildren.
Gerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rena, son, Joseph Duff of North Myrtle Beach, SC, daughters, Kathleen Duff Simmons (Brad) of Brentwood, TN and Chrissy Frick (Dan) of Prospect, KY, grandchildren, Luke, Holly, Avery and Jack Simmons of Brentwood, TN and Liam, Libby and Jacob Frick of Prospect, KY. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Duff, of Middletown, DE, brother-in-law Robert Caron, of Durham, NC, along with several cousins and nieces.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Forest Hill Healthcare Care Center and Amedisys Hospice for the love and care provided to Gerry.
A viewing will be held starting at 10:00am on August 18th at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 212 W Main Street, St. Clairsville, Ohio. Funeral mass will begin at 11:00am with Father Thomas Chillog presiding. Burial to immediately follow at Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Following services at the cemetery, there will be a luncheon at Marian Hall for family and friends to gather and celebrate Gerry’s life and the joy he brought into the world.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 212 W Main Street, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.
Arrangements are entrusted to CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialists in St. Clairsville, Ohio.