Barry Durkin

DURKIN - Barry of Lynnfield, MA entered into rest on February 23, 2007, dearly beloved husband of 16 years to Claire (Wilkie) Durkin. Father of Jeff Durkin, a 15 year old freshman at Lynnfield High School. Barry was actively involved in his son's life as a basketball and football coach. Among many other things, Barry was a role model for young men, teaching them to grow into distinguished gentlemen. Born in Paterson and raised in Hawthorne, NJ, Barry lived his life according to the time honored values of respect for tradition, strong faith in God, loyalty to friends and family, and hard work. Many of these attributes were reinforced throughout his childhood by the strong community in Saint Anthony's Church and School. Barry was a Charter Member and later Director of the Muchachos Drum and Bugle Corps of Hawthorne, NJ. He also was a member of the Hawthorne Caballeros Senior and Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps. After his education at William Paterson College he began a sales career where he advanced to Vice President of Sales of several global ground transportation companies including Avis, Budget and Carey Limousine. Barry was a long standing member of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), participating on several Ground Transportation Committees and played an instrumental role in the formation of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). Barry's most cherished activity was spending time with family and friends, where he was the consummate host making everyone comfortable. His ability to connect with people of all walks of life made him beloved both professionally and personally. He was a man who celebrated others' happiness. In Lynnfield, he lived his belief in contributing to the community by becoming a volunteer for St. Maria Goretti parish where he made many friends who were of great support during his long illness. Often times people diagnosed with cancer reevaluate their priorities however it was never necessary for Barry as his priorities were properly placed since his childhood. Barry was predeceased by his father Leo Pat Durkin and mother, Catherine (Arata) Durkin. He leaves behind his beloved wife and true soul mate Claire and his wonderful son Jeff whom he cherished and who carries his legacy forward. Barry also leaves his cousins, father-in-law Joseph K. Wilkie and members of the Wilkie family who loved him dearly. He also leaves countless friends in Massachusetts, New York and especially his loyal friends of 50 years in Hawthorne, New Jersey. He will be remembered as an honorable gentleman, who understood the value of living a good and decent life, where family, community and hard work are celebrated as extraordinary. His greatest gift to the world was the way he raised his son, who carries forward the wonderful charisma, integrity, and grace of his father. His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave. Wakefield, Saturday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield at 10:00. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Friday 2-4 and 7-9. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.