Born December 20, 1947 in St. Helena, Dennis Duffy graduated from Napa Senior High School in 1966 and then the University of San Francisco in 1970 with a BA degree in Economics. At USF, he was a member of Phi Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Gridiron Club and also played Intramural Football, and ran track.
Following college, he moved to Lake Tahoe and worked at the River Ranch Restaurant & Lodge. In the mid 70s, he returned to Napa and produced a private label in the wine industry as a hobby. He oversaw and maintained the Duffy Christmas Tree Farm on Big Ranch Road, a business started by his father. In early 1995, Dennis agreed to have the 1906 family farm house remodeled for the nationally syndicated "This Old House" program. The show's producer said at that time "I only had 15 minutes to meet Dennis, but it was love at first sight. I guess the combination of the man, the house and the setting conspired to make a good story." In recent years, Dennis went to work as a mortgage broker with Investor's Trust Mortgage (SFChronicle). Â
This is the largest team that USF has had in the last 15 years of competition. Not only this, but it is loaded with veteran performers. Of the 23 members, 16 are returnees. Perhaps the strongest event will be the 2-mile relay team. The team, composed of Ed Pietrazik (1:57 in the 880), Mario Monterrosa (1:53), John Eagol (1:56), and Bill Roberts (1:58), is reputed to be one of the best in the state. The team is strong in other departments also. They are five (Mike Barr, Dennis Duffy, Tom Georgi, Mike Elwell, and Bruno Pequese) deep in the sprints (TheFoghorn).
