Laurence "Larry" G. Durkee

Born Dec. 9, 1930, the son of Harold Allen and Dorehea (Bruce) Durkee.

Larry grew up in Swampscott, Mass., and attended Swampscott High School, Vermont Academy and UNH.

After graduating from UNH with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Larry started a tree service company with longtime friends Bill Carpenter and Donny Costin. Carpenter Costin Tree Service is still in business today.

Larry was also a Naval Reservist in the Sea Bees for seven years. It was during this time that he started Essex Welding Corp., a successful welding and fabrication business in Lynn, Mass.

He loved boating and could be seen every summer, cruising up and down the east coast aboard the "Bluebird II," with family and friends. He was a member of the Boston Yacht Club for many years and also a member of the U.S. Power Squadron, where he taught weather and basic seamanship.

Larry married Judith Lindsey in 1955.

They lived in Swampscott for a few years before moving to Marblehead, to raise their family and eventually Conway, N.H. While in Conway Larry started Durkee Crane Service, and ran it until his retirement 2019.

Larry was predeceased by his wife Judy and his brother A. Bruce Durkee. He is survived by brother Donald Durkee, 98, of Marblehead, Mass., and Naples, Fla.

Larry leaves behind his four children, Bruce Durkee and wife Elizabeth of Marblehead; Gordon Durkee of Colorado; Janet (Durkee) Smith and husband, David, of Tiverton, R.I.; and William Durkee and wife, Diane, of North Conway, N.H.; grandchildren, Stash Durkee and wife, Erin; Melissa (Durkee) Keenan and husband, Zachary; Nicholas Durkee; and Eliza Durkee; as well as great-grandchildren, Keaghan and Lily Durkee.

All services are private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Durkee family.