February 8th will be the one year anniversary of Francis Duddy’s death as the result of an automobile accident that has devastated two families, the St. Joseph’s Church Community and Donovan Catholic High School. 

Francis Duddy and his parents Dan and Maura
Francis Duddy and his parents Dan and Maura (Tommy Farrell)
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The 19-year old was a passenger in a car driven by his best friend Connor Hanifin and the two were heading home after a party. Hanifin lost control of the car which hit a tree and killed Francis while badly injuring himself.  It was later determined that he was drunk and nearly four months ago he pled guilty to several charges including vehicular homicide.

Friday in an Ocean County courtroom Superior Court Judge Wendell Daniels was to impose the sentence on the 19-year old Hanifin.  Before he did so he and those in the courtroom heard from Francis’ family and what they heard was a plea for forgiveness and compassion.  Hanifin actually spoke first and fighting back tears showed incredible remorse and asked for forgiveness while saying he hoped others would learn from his mistake. 

It was then time for Dan Duddy Sr. to speak and clearly his message was that one life was lost but one needed to be saved.  He promised to be there for Hanifin, who he coached on the football field at what is now Donovan Catholic High School.  When he was done speaking Dan Duddy Jr. echoed many of the same sentiments and said they would be on Connor’s side throughout.

When it was all said and done Hanifin was sentenced to 42 months in prison where he must serve at least 85%.  In cases like this the prosecution would have usually sought a 10-year sentence and Judge Daniels said the forgiveness shown by the Duddy family was uncommon.  That is unless you know them who with broken hearts have displayed an inner strength that almost defies logic.  It is that strength and their spiritual beliefs which allows them to do all they can to make sure that tragic accident of February 8th only claims one life and not two.

Connor Hanifin will spend the next three plus years in prison but worse than that he will have to spend the rest of his life knowing that his actions took the life of another.  When he goes get out there will be many helping him move on. My guess is the Duddy Family will be among them.

         

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