Robert R. DURGIN

DURGIN, Robert R. Captain Robert Roy Durgin in his 90th year, reached the distant shore on May 6, 2011 to be with Jesus, his Savior and Pilot. A retired shipmaster from the Merchant Marine (1984) Capt. Durgin of Holland, MA was beloved by his family, friends, and countless people whose lives were touched by his energetic conversations, well wishes, and zest for life. Rob was born on June 15, 1921 and raised in Westwood, NJ the second son of William P. and Elizabeth (Sims) Durgin. He was a 1938 graduate of Westwood High school. Rob attended West VA Univ. 1938-1940, joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946, and was married to Jeanne L. Muller in 1956, until her death in 2004. Traveling overseas for 42 yrs in the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, Capt. Durgin visited 6 continents and 55 countries, serving our country during World War II and assisting in the liberation of Papua, New Guinea. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Milford, PA Post 8612, the American Legion Charlton, MA Post 391, Boston Marine Society, and Council of Master Mariners; as well as a member of the Marine Square Club (NY) and Free Masons Masonic Lodge in Southbridge, MA. Capt. Durgin is survived by his sister, Mildred D. Johnson of Holland, MA, his three children, Capt. Robert R. Durgin, Jr., of Jacksonville, FL, Janice E. Kopp, of Stafford, CT, and Joanne L. Maketansky, of Holland, MA, his "ten best" grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Rob was predeceased by his brother, William J. Durgin. A memorial service celebrating Rob's life will be held on his birthday, June 15, 2011 at 11 a.m., at the Holland Congregational Church, 11 Sturbridge Rd., Holland, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield, MA. The Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St., Southbridge, MA, is directing arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.