William Durkin

William Durkin obituary, Venice, FL

William Durkin

William Durkin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Farley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Venice on Dec. 23, 2025.
William "Bill/Terry" Durkin, 83, of Venice, Florida, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Born on August 16, 1942 in New York, New York, Bill is preceded in death by his parents Kathleen and William Durkin, along with siblings Jim, Patricia, and Kathy.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kathy, son Dennis and his spouse Jodi, daughter Kate and her spouse Ryan, grandchildren Ben, Sydney, Abby, and Brody, along with grand-dogs Jax, Maisie and Walter.

Bill was a college graduate and soon after drafted into the US Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966 as a Specialist 4th class. Over the course of his professional career, Bill held a variety of positions in customer service and sales. While living in Hastings, New York, he continued his legacy of service as a volunteer firefighter. In 1991, Bill's family relocated to the Sarasota area, from Connecticut, where he finished his professional career of 23 years at Commercial Refrigerator Door, that led to his retirement. Bill's strong love of family and faith, along with his sense of humor, caused anyone who met him, to truly love him. He was often referred to by family as "the favorite Uncle" and by friends as "Jolly Bill". Bill was a diehard sports fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, and took that passion to the field while watching his grandchildren play sports. His family will miss him dearly, but are blessed to have such beautiful memories.

A service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Venice, FL on January 6, 2026 at 10am. He will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery for Veterans, at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Tidewell Foundation for Hospice Care (tidewellfoundation.org).

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

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Durkin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Durkin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?