John 'Jack' Durkin Jr.
WAREHAM John 'Jack' J. Durkin, Jr. of Wareham, formerly of Falmouth, passed away on February 23, 2014 at the age of 77 at home from lung cancer. Jack was born on Dec. 26, 1936 in Lowell, the eldest son of the late John and Helen (Spinney) Durkin. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elinor (Ellie) Potts Durkin.
Jack attended Lowell Public Schools and graduated Lowell High School in 1954 and graduated in 1959 from Merrimack College. After college, he worked for his father in the carpet business, eventually owning and operating Durkin's Inc. with his brother, Tom. In 1972, Jack started Durkin's Inc. of Cape Cod, a contract commercial sales company for carpet and tile. Jack ran a very successful business from Falmouth until his retirement when he sold to Kent's Carpetland. After only one year, he was coaxed out of retirement to run the commercial division of Kent's. Retiring again after a few more years, because of the early onset of Alzheimer's.
In 1989, Jack was one of the four Founders of the member owned Pocasset Golf Club, and remained on the Board as Treasurer for a number of years. Jack was a masterful woodworker and furniture maker in his leisure time, making beautiful furniture for his wife, whimsical birdhouses and fabulous toys for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing golf at Pocasset with his many friends, and fishing on Squam Lake with his brother-in-law, John.
For a number of years, Jack and Ellie spent some of their winter months at their home in Naples, FL. After selling their Florida home, they enjoyed travelling to many different countries (Italy, Switzerland, Ireland) and to England to visit their daughter, Kristin.
Jack was predeceased by his former wife, Jane Friscino.
Besides his wife, Ellie, Jack is survived by his children, Linda (Sam) Yoki of Lafayette, IN, Steven (Pam) Durkin of Winter Springs, FL, Susan (Wesley) Horton of Castine, ME, Karen Durkin of West Falmouth, MA, Kristin (Duane) Thomas of Fort Mill, SC, and Rick (Michelle) Cusolito of Rochester, MA. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, his brothers Roger Durkin and his beloved partner, Nancy Szopa of Boston and Thomas (Cindi) Durkin of Lowell, MA, and his brother-in-law, John Fernandes of Ashland, NH. Jack leaves many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice for the compassionate care given to Jack and Ellie during this difficult time. Special thanks to Barbara, Bill, and Nicole.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS VISITATION FROM 10 UNTIL 12 NOON ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1, AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816, FOLLOWED BY CEMETERY PRAYERS AT ST MARY CEMETERY. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS IN JACK'S NAME TO THE SALVATION ARMY CAPE COD CHAPTER, 100 NORTH ST., HYANNIS MA 02601 OR TO HOSPICE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 577 MAIN ST., WAREHAM MA 02571. E-CONDOLENCE SITE WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM
