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2016 SESSION
16104124DWHEREAS, John Duffy of Norfolk, an esteemed and award-winning composer whose life and work reflected his advocacy for social change, a strong supporter of the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military, died on December 22, 2015; and
WHEREAS, John Duffy was born in New York, and was the ninth of 14 children; he was educated in parochial schools, taught himself to play the piano, and sang in school choirs; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, John Duffy served his country as a member of the United States Navy; his experiences in combat had a profound influence on his life, and after the war, he became a pacifist and devoted his life to music; and
WHEREAS, in his lifetime, John Duffy wrote more than 300 compositions and won two Emmy awards; he composed for symphony orchestras, operas, theater, television, and film, and many of his works reflected his social concerns; and
WHEREAS, John Duffy founded Meet the Composer, now known as New Music USA, to support the work of American composers; he was an effective advocate for higher wages for composers; and
WHEREAS, after living in New York for many years, John Duffy retired and moved to Hampton Roads; while living in the Commonwealth, he composed two works to celebrate the centennial of Newport News Shipbuilding, “Pride of Virginia” and “Fanfare for Shipbuilders”; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Arts Festival’s John Duffy Composers Institute was created by the composer to encourage and train young composers; he was a strong supporter of the annual spring arts festival held throughout Hampton Roads; and
WHEREAS, John Duffy will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Maura and Mark, and their families; and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of John Duffy of Norfolk, a distinguished and award-winning composer, founder of a composers’ institute at the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military who was a strong advocate for social change; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Duffy as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.