The J. J. Duffy Funeral Home was established in 1912 as a "Store Front" operation by James J. "Joe" Duffy. The operation changed in 1936 when he moved to a larger facility just two hundred fifty feet up the street from 309 Broad St. to 292 Broad Street. Even though many funerals were still conducted out of private residences he felt that the larger facility was the way of the future and would be an immense improvement.
Joe was well known for his many activities around town such as supporting and sponsoring local baseball teams, it was said by many that he brought in ringers from the Boston Red Sox and the former Boston Braves to play in some of the larger Sunday games he sponsored. He was also known to host "hot dog roasts" for the neighborhood. Joe also had one of the only telephones in the area and when there was a fire in the area people would call him to relay the message to the fire department on the next block. He was also one of the first to have a radio and would set up speakers and chairs on the lawn so neighbors could come over and listen to ballgames, major boxing matches and the like. He was also known to be a very kind and generous benefactor to many.
He and his wife Aredlia (Borden) Duffy operated the funeral home until his death in 1956. Mrs. Duffy was a cousin to the infamous "Lizzy Borden" of Fall River, Massachusetts.
Later, Francis J. Smith was a local boy who worked around the funeral home since the age of seven. At the end of World War II he enrolled in New England Institute, Boston earned his license and became a full time employee. He and his wife, Anna (Thompson) Smith purchased the business from Mrs. Ardelia Duffy after Joe's death in 1956.
His dedication to funeral service and desire to assist those in their darkest hour seemed to be his calling. He and his wife expanded the funeral home in 1966 doubling public floor space. They along with his brother Edward worked together to make the funeral home the success it was.
Fran as he was known by many worked tirelessly for years many times canceling vacation plans so he could serve a family in need. While his brother Edward never obtained his license he was an invaluable asset to the organization; his retirement in 1973 left a void which needed to be filled. His son in law Dennis Bernardo then began working for Mr. Smith. Dennis received his Funeral/Embalmers License in 1975. Their relationship was one of mutual respect and confidence in each other, which made the work place an extremely pleasant environment for both.
In 1979 after over fifty years (never working anywhere other than the funeral home) of dedicated service to the community Mr. Smith decided to retire, at which point Dennis and Karen A. (Smith) Bernardo purchased the funeral home from Mr. and Mrs. Smith. In 1985 he and his wife began making plans to move to a new location in town. Those goals were finally realized when they opened the new J. J. Duffy Funeral Home at its present location on December 13, 1987. This facility, while only two miles away from the original location is what we would call a "WORLD AWAY". The facility boasts seven thousand square feet on one level, with up to four chapels, and parking for over 150 automobiles, and is situated on seven acres.
At present, Dennis Bernardo is the owner and manager of the funeral home. His son Jeffrey Bernardo a graduate of Lynn University, and Bristol Community College, attaining a Baccalaureate of Science in Business Administration, and an Associate in Funeral Service. Jeff has also received a Certificate in Thanatology.
During the past decade funeral service has seen major changes from government regulation to a change in consumer preferences. The Bernardo family at J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, being up to the task has instituted many new programs and services. After Care Programs, Independent Memorial Tree Program, On Staff Director of Education and Counseling, Seminars and Speakers Programs on all topics of funeral service for Church, Civic, Healthcare organizations including Public and Private Schools, Annual Memorial Services, annual donations of books to the local Public Library, in order to build a resource of information on death and dying available to everyone.
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