William A. Durkin, Jr.

William A. Durkin, Jr., found peace on April 18th, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Bill was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on July 26th, 1949 to William Anthony and Martha Sexton Durkin, who preceded him in death. One of ten siblings, he spent his childhood in the Milwaukee area and later in Madison. He was a graduate of Edgewood High School, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and he would no doubt want us to mention, Madame Kuony's School of Culinary Arts.

He returned to the state where he was born for various reasons over the years: to visit beloved family, to build Radio Flyer wagons, to follow his conscience with the Chicago 15, to raise funds for the Hadley School for the Blind, to "watch the Cubs lose," and to contribute to the community archives on peace and social justice at DePaul University.

Bill was dedicated to building the ethics of charitable giving and served as president of both the local and national associations of professional fundraisers. He served as the Director of Development for Cardinal Stritch University and the UWM Foundation. He was the President of Durkin Associates, providing professional counsel to more than 100 clients over the course of his career. He taught others how to "develop a taste for giving," make connections, work together, and enrich the community. He was a former director of the Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation and a proud Rotarian.

Bill will be remembered for his warmth, his wit and his persistent willingness to cause good trouble. He loved to celebrate and could always be counted on for his good humor, good food and good wine. He leaves behind happy memories and a reminder to enjoy life and take care of others.

He will be missed by his best friend and wife of 38 years, Kathleen Pritchard; the children he adored: Elizabeth (Charlie Roedel), Christine, and Ryan (Jennifer); his loving siblings and in-laws: Charlotte Durkin, Ginny Stamm, Marian Durkin, Maureen (Jack Longley), David (Trish Canady), Martha (John Leonardo), Ellen (Jim Nelson), Angela (Rich Tate), Susan Pederson (John) and Tom Pritchard (Roxanne); his accomplished nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends and colleagues. He joins his brothers Terrence and Lawrence, and his brothers-in-law Dave Horley, Ted Neely, and Alfred Stamm who have gone before him.

Always the fundraiser, Bill would ask for contributions in his name to Casa Maria, the Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital or Milwaukee Urban Stables.

A private service was held on April 22, 2021 and a fitting celebration of his life will take place this summer.

Northshore Funeral Services

414-961-1812

www.northshorefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Apr. 21 to Apr. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Durkin

Sponsored by Northshore Funeral Services - Shorewood.

11 Entries

Margo Parisi and Alex Weinberger

April 15, 2024

We still miss the fun we had over many drinks and dinners. He will always be in our hearts.
Margo and Alex

Joe Bova

April 27, 2021

Heard about Bill at the GH Coalition meeting today (04-27-2021).

I always admired Bill in particular for his stellar fund development acumen. He was my standard when I was in the field 1985-1992.
Enjoyed being with him at our professional workshops, events and other gatherings.

My deepest sympathy, Kathy.

Margo Parisi and Alex Weinberger

April 25, 2021

To our dear friends Katie, Elizabeth, Christine and Ryan; we were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We have fond memories of our many visits and lively conversations over wine and dinner. Bill was always generous with his opinions and wit as well as his heart. Our sincerest condolences go to your whole family. Bill's positive attitude was an inspiration to Alex and helped him get through his cancer surgery and treatments. We will miss our dear friend.

Wendy Chamberlain Goetz

April 25, 2021

Oh Katie, I was so sad to read of Bill´s passing. I always loved running into you two together. I am sad for your heavy heart.

chris gargan

April 24, 2021

BD, sorry to have spilled the beans years ago. You always held a special place in our family's hearts and memories. Eddie sez, Hey.

Scott Gelzer

April 24, 2021

Katie and family - I did not know Bill as well as I should have, my loss to be sure. He lived well and had an amazing and resilient partner in Katie. My best to you all in this tough time and my experience is that the good memories do crowd out the pain over time.

Helen Dixon

April 24, 2021

Katie and family: I will remember Bill sitting on the back porch surrounded by his birds and other creatures of nature reading the paper or enjoying a fine glass of wine. It has been an honor to be your next door neighbor on Newport Ct. I so enjoyed talking with Bill about our glory days in Madison in the late 60's as we strived to make the world a better place.
Rest in peace my friend. You have left your imprint on the world.

Helen Dixon

Bob and Mary Grace Wendel

April 23, 2021

Our thoughts and love are with you. He has touched this world with his kindness - his legacy will live on.

Sue Schmelzer

April 23, 2021

RIP Bill. My deepest sympathies to your family!

Franklyn Gimbel

April 23, 2021

My sincere condolences to all of Bill´s survivors - I had the pleasure of interacting with Bill in connection with many of his fund raising beneficiaries- he was an aggressive believer in all of the causes for which he sought contributions. May Bill´s good deeds set the table for blessings be earned and May all his friends and relatives temper their grief looking back at his life of many accomplishments

Judy Holcomb

April 23, 2021

My sympathy to your family who were all so special to my friend Maddy Pritchard.

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