William Patrick Durkin, 88, died peacefully at his home on February 21, 2013.
Bill was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He retired to Ocean City, New Jersey then continued his retirement in Fort Pierce, Florida on Hutchinson Island.
On December 7, 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing his service in the Navy, at the conclusion of the Second world War, Bill joined his father as an apprentice in the Carpenters Union, Local 122 in Philadelphia in 1946.
Rising through the ranks of the trade and the union he advanced to the positions of Journeyman, Foreman and Superintendent before being elected Business Representative in 1958.
Bill served the members of the carpenters union in that capacity until his retirement in 1980. During that time he was part of the union leadership team that instituted the pension plan, health and welfare benefit plan and negotiated many labor agreements between the union and contractors associations.
Bill also served as the President of the Philadelphia Maritime Port Council.
Bill was a Founding Member and President of the John Hennelly Boxing Club, Philadelphia, named for a co-founder who unexpectedly passed away prior to the club’s opening. Bill’s contribution to this endeavor was behind the scenes patronage, providing quiet support while his partners, Thomas Durkin and Mickey Grandinetti, both former boxers, provided the day to day training of the young members of the club.
Bill was an avid sport fisherman beginning when he was a small boy fishing at Pennypack Park with his brother Tom. He fished many spots with his favorites ranging from the Jersey Shore aboard the Hucklebuck on night fishing trips for tuna, swordfish and sharks to the Florida Keys and Bimini. He was happiest when he had a line in the water.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (nee Pawlowicz) and his many brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children, Patrick (Lisa), Mary Ann, William, Barbara Overbeck (Joseph) and Daniel (Santina), his grandchildren, Patrick Durkin, Jr., David Durkin, Danielle Finn (Timothy), Timothy D. Breslin, Harlee Durkin and his great grandchildren, Liam Finn, Daniel Finn, Timothy R. Breslin and Brooke Breslin.
Donations in Bill’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association on line at heart.org
A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date.
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