Charles J. Duffy Obituary

Charles J. Duffy attended Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Charles J. Duffy.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Oct 09, 1993
About	Chuck Duffy's life was very tragic. His father died when Chuck was 7, then his mother, Helen Zubryd, was murdered when he was 8. Sadly, the detectives on the case wrongfully accused the young Charles of committing the murder, which was impossible. His mother had an axe buried 5 inches into her head. The young boy was being raised by relatives who no longer wanted him after his forced false confession of the murder. A Bridgeville couple adopted him and he was given their last name and he started a new life. He carried this awful burden for decades, convinced by the detectives that he had killed his own mother. Finally, about 30 years after his mother's death, an ex-FBI agent investigated the case and proved that the detectives had coerced the young boy into confessing and the real murderer was never caught. A book was written by the agent, Jim Fisher, called "Fall Guys." Charles died just a few short years after he was exonerated of murdering his mother. He called being adopted by the Duffy couple a "godsend." I contacted the author, Jim Fisher, and he said he attended Charles' funeral and that his friends said he died in peace knowing he did not kill his mother. Rest in Peace, dear Chuck. You deserve it after the tragic life you had.

Classmate Memories

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Lonnie Jantsch '66 said:

I knew Chuck in high school. He was a bright, energetic boy with a gentle, kind soul. His quirks were so endearing. I always enjoyed my chats with him. May he rest in peace.

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