Duffy, former Wood coach, dies

John "Skip" Duffy, a well-known and highly respected football coach at Archbishop Wood and Delaware Valley College, died Thursday morning after an extended battle with cancer.

Duffy, of Levittown, was Wood's coach from 1973 to '80. He led the Vikings to a 65-25-2 overall record, two Catholic League championships (1974 and '78), and a city title (1974).

"He was a tremendous man," said John J. McFadden Jr., who played under Duffy at Wood in the mid-1970s. "He was a fantastic leader and motivator."

Duffy, who succeeded Dick Bedesem as Wood's coach, later was an assistant at Delaware Valley. "He was a hard worker, and he expected the same from his players," McFadden said.

At Wood, Duffy taught business and accounting. One of his favorite sayings, former players recall, was "Great day to be alive!"

Duffy is survived by his wife, Dottie, and children John and Greg. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone.