Terrence Robert "Terry" Durkin

Terrence Robert "Terry" Durkin, age 81, passed away suddenly on January 17, 2026, in Merritt Island, Florida. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Terry was raised in the city he would forever carry in his heart, from his love of Chicago hot dogs to his unwavering loyalty to the Chicago Bears.

Terry was the beloved husband of Judy Durkin, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Their partnership was one of deep devotion, steadiness, and love. Terry adored Judy and consistently stepped up for her, standing by her side with quiet strength and unwavering commitment.

He was the proud father of Bridget Reed (Matt) of Merritt Island, Florida; Ann Phillips (Ed) of East Lansing, Michigan; Kate Souers (Dave) of Nashville, Tennessee; Dan Durkin (Krissy) of Denver, Colorado; and Tim Durkin (Rebecca) of Jacksonville, Florida. Terry considered his family his greatest accomplishment and his deepest joy.

He was a devoted grandfather to Molly, Jack, Charlie, Sam, Tom, Ben, Maggie, Will, Vivi, Lily, Finn, Clare, and Piper, and a proud great grandfather to Beau. Terry took immense pride in being present for his grandchildren's lives – attending sporting events and graduations, spending countless days at the beach, and sharing his faith in especially meaningful ways. He served as the officiant at his son's and granddaughter's weddings and offered the wedding blessing at another granddaughter's wedding.

Terry was the son of Walter Durkin and Mary Roy Durkin, and the brother of Walter James Durkin, MD (Carol). After losing his mother at just 14 years old, Terry grew early into a role of responsibility and care – an experience that shaped the devoted husband, father, and grandfather he became.

Professionally, Terry worked as a food processing engineer, a career that took his family across the country as he moved up the corporate ladder. The Durkin family lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, and Florida, embracing each chapter together. Later in life, Terry also worked in real estate. No matter where life took him, he embraced every stage fully, always living in the moment.

Terry was happy, patient, curious, generous, and warm hearted. He carried a calm presence and a quiet strength that made people feel safe and understood. He showed love not through grand gestures, but through steady actions – holding a hand intuitively, showing up without judgment, and offering guidance with humility. Friends and acquaintances alike were drawn to him for his warmth and wisdom.

His optimism was legendary. Even when hurricanes headed straight toward Merritt Island, Terry would confidently declare they wouldn't touch them – even when they did. He believed deeply in the goodness of life and lived each day as if it truly were "a great day to be alive."

Faith was central to Terry's life. A man of strong Catholic faith, he attended church every Sunday and lived his beliefs through kindness, consistency, and quiet service rather than words.

Terry found joy in life's simple pleasures. He rode his bike outdoors every single day and was a voracious reader. He loved sitting on his condo balcony watching dolphins, manatees, and marine life drift by. Saturdays meant a Chicago hot dog for lunch, often paired with football. He enjoyed a Dos Equis Dark, an IPA, or a glass of red wine, loved tending to plants, and adored his little dog, Chico.

Music filled Terry's home – especially favorites from the 1960s and 1970s, jazz, and Jimmy Buffett – providing a constant soundtrack to family life. He loved to travel and explore new places, holding a special affection for Mexico, particularly time spent at his Playa del Carmen house. He and Judy introduced their children to all things Mexico, and Terry would begin his joyful countdown weeks in advance, making sure everyone knew how much he was looking forward to being together.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Savior Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on February 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

Terry Durkin lived with intention, faith, humor, and love. He was a man who showed up, who believed in people, and who made the world gentler simply by being in it.

He was a good man