Thomas H. Durnan

1927 - 2019

Thomas H. Durnan

Wilmington - Thomas H. Durnan, age 91, passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Born in Brighton, MA on October 3, 1927, Tom was the son of the late James and Irene (MacDonald) Durnan. At an early age, he moved to Wilmington where he graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School in 1947. Tom proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1950, Tom married Frances (Shinder) Durnan and they raised their four sons while living in Bear, Delaware.

Tom was a Master Carpenter, Construction Superintendent and Inspector, who had worked at Haddock Construction, as well as Falcon Steel. He was proud to have received the Honors of the Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus.

Tom's favorite times included spending time with his family and friends. He treasured having everyone together for the many family barbecues, crab feasts and holiday gatherings. His family loved to hear his stories about his many adventures, as well as pointing out the many buildings that he constructed in the area. Tom and Fran enjoyed traveling across the country and to Alaska in an RV, as well as vacationing in Europe.

In his leisure time, Tom loved being outside whether he was hunting, fishing, crabbing, gardening or birdwatching. He was a talented craftsman who also enjoyed painting and woodworking. Tom was an avid sports fan, from coaching his sons in baseball to watching his favorite teams: UD football, the Phillies and the Eagles.

Tom is survived by his wife of 68 years, Fran; his sons, Tom (Patty), Dave (Karen), and Chuck (June); daughter-in-law Gloria, his grandchildren, Rachel, Melissa, Brian, Jessica, Jason, and Eli; his great-grandchildren, Hunter, Brianne, Cillian, Noah, and Selene; his brother Fritz (Peggy); his sisters-in-law, Virginia and Debbie; and his brother-in-law, Tom Maney. He was predeceased by his son, Donald; his granddaughter, Nicole; his brothers, James, Arthur, Robert, Richard, Paul, Phillip and infant twins; and his sisters, Irene Toomey and Rita Maney.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 345 Bear Christiana Rd., Bear, Delaware on Thursday, January 24 from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:15 AM, followed by a committal ceremony at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Rd., Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002.

To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com 302-999-8277.