Anthony "Tony" Durkin

Anthony M. "Tony" Durkin, 76, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully, with his family at his bedside on Monday, August 13, 2018. He was born and raised in Worcester, a son of the late Anthony and Mary L. (Guilfoil) Durkin.

Tony, as family and friends knew him, was a graduate of Commerce High School and Quinsigamond College, both in Worcester. Tony spent several years as a proud member of the US Army. He was stationed in Korea as support during the Vietnam War. Following his return to Worcester, Tony joined the Worcester Fire Department. He spent 10 years as a member of Engine 3 and then Ladder 6 before being promoted to Lieutenant in 1979. He was stationed on Engine 14 and Engine 8 before moving to Ladder 6, where he spent almost 20 years, retiring in 2001.

Tony enjoyed a very simple lifestyle. Never one to want new, flashy cars or go on extravagant trips, Tony was most happy at home or in the later years, spending time with his children and grandchildren. He often could be found spending time watching his grandchildren play soccer and softball on the weekends. As a single father, Tony spent time with other parents in Parents Without Partners. He spent many hours interacting with other parents and enjoying getting together, playing sports or just being part of the Worcester area group. He enjoyed following the Boston area sports teams as well as enjoying his favorite television shows. For the last four years, Tony has enjoyed the company of the other residents of Southgate at Shrewsbury.

He will be lovingly missed by his two sons, James A. Durkin of Holden and Kenneth A. Durkin and his wife, Christine of Shrewsbury; his three grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth, Kaitlin Reese and Kylie Sage; his two brothers, Dr. John E. Durkin of Shrewsbury and Thomas F. Durkin and his wife, Judith of Auburn; his two sisters, Kathleen F. Donoghue and her husband, Thomas of Rutland and Arlene F. Yenovkian and her husband, Donald of Brookfield; several nieces and nephews; as well as his former wife, Beverly A. (Dyson) Durkin of Worcester.

Family and friends are invited to Tony's Life Celebration visiting hours on Friday, August 17th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 18th gathering at the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. before leaving in procession for the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Church, 950 West Boylston Street, Worcester. Burial, with Military Honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.

The family asks that memorial donations be considered to Autism Speaks Inc., 1 East 33rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016 or for IBM Research c/o the Muscular Dystrophy Association National Office, 161 N. Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60601