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BORN
1947
DIED
2021
William Durkin Obituary
6/6/1947-10/8/2021
Willie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Willie settled in San Francisco as a young boy. A city he loved deeply. He served our country in the US Navy. Willie joined the San Francisco Fire Department where he served for 37 years.
He was a proud Washington High School Eagle. He loved coaching and volunteered many years at St. Cecilia Grammar School and Riordan High School.
Willie was an active member of the St. Cecilia's Men's Club. Some of his fondest memories were playing Rugby with the Castaways and playing for the SF Irish Pipers Band. He was also honored to be a member of the Olympic Club for over 40 years.
He is preceded in death by his father Commander Thomas Charles Durkin, his mother Nancy Day Durkin, and brother Timothy Durkin. Survived by his sister Julie Thompson (David). Willie left behind his loving and devoted wife Bernadette Kurpinsky Durkin, and his three beautiful daughters, Carleen, Valerie, Mara; his son-in-law Sean Birmingham, and grandson Aidan Durkin.
As many know, Alzheimer's is a horrible disease and those battling put up a long and arduous fight. While it is difficult to say goodbye, we are happy Willie is finally at peace. Many thanks to all who helped us take care of Willie along the way. Out of respect for his wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please raise a Coors Light and "cheers" to a life well lived. Slainte!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Durkin
The Kopp Family
December 10, 2024
Oh dear, we´ve lost another hero, but I highly suspect Willie has all the angels in heaven crying with laughter!
One of the best personalities I ever met. Alzheimer´s must have been so rough for you all. Our sincerest condolences to the Durkin Family... Bernie and the girls - he was so proud of you all and loved being an all-girl Dad!
My dad and I worked with Willie on quite a few commercials back in the 1980´s, and several times we met up at the 49er games while cheering an incredible team led by Walsh and Montana... An epic time.
I´m so sad to hear of his passing but so glad he lived a life filled with laughter, a loving family, and good old Irish sensibilities. Firefighter, coach, bagpipes, beer and bear hugs - what a life!! Slainte, my friend.
Cheers to Willie. Thanks for being one of the good guys and always saying the perfect thing at the perfect time.
Samantha Hammer
February 8, 2023
My name is Samantha Hammer. I was a I was friend for many years. I grew up in the sunset district and had an opportunity at one point to meet his mother and dad.
I am very saddened to know of his death. Willie had quite a personality and was always a lot of fun to be around. My heart goes out to all the family and I hope you´re all at peace now and I know that he is in a better place as well.
Mara
October 9, 2022
Can´t believe it´s been a year, love you and miss you everyday.
-MayRay
Mara
June 6, 2022
Happy 75th Birthday Dad. Miss you. -MayRay
Mark Petersen
December 6, 2021
The "City" has lost one of its own. My condolences to the family.
Tom Peters
October 20, 2021
Dear Bernadette & the Girls,
'Really' sad to hear of Willie's passing -- my deepest condolences to you & the entire Durkin Family. He was such a great guy & an even better friend. He will be missed 'bi g time' by all !! Slainte good buddy & God bless...see ya down the road !!
Michael D Coleman
October 19, 2021
Great memories working and getting to know you Bill. My condolences to all the Durkin family.
Mike Coleman
Morgan (Murphy) Sweeney
October 18, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I have such fond memories of spending time with Willie and the Durkin family as I was growing up. Sending my love.
Pam & Jim Borrelli
October 18, 2021
Many great memories of Willie - paying music at Portals, he had his favorites; so entertaining and a wonderful person- RIP dear friend.
Mike Orlando
October 18, 2021
Rest In Peace Coach
John Adams
October 18, 2021
I only found out about this today, 10/18. Ever since the summer after 8th grade when we met, you were the best friend I could ever ask for. I loved you like a brother and your Dad and Mom as I did mine. Though distance has kept us apart, you managed to travel across country to be the best man at my wedding and you always kept me up to date regarding GWHS. We haven't communicated in a few years, and now I know why. All my best wishes to Bernadette and the girls during this sad time. The Presidio gang and the 1964 City Champions in football will miss you forever.
See you on the other side,
John
John LeTourneaue
October 18, 2021
My condolences to the entire Durkin family...it was my great fortune meet you 60 years ago....your energy, loyalty and selflessness was unmatched.....will miss our countless reminisces of high school and beyond.....Go Eagles Willie.
Billy Moe
October 18, 2021
It was a true honor and privilege to know, work, and play softball with Willie. Teammates on the SFFD Red Softball Teams and won multiple gold medals in the Fire Olympics. Great guy, a great teammate, and a great ballplayer. God Bless Willie and my compassion and prayers for his family. Willie thanks for the memories.
daniel gracia
October 18, 2021
another good dude gone , definitely will raise a coors light or 2 to willie
Phil Savin
October 18, 2021
Always a pleasure to work with Willie! One of the real good guys!!!!!
Steve Murphy
October 18, 2021
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Willie was a good man and he will be missed.
Steve Murphy
Ron Morehen
October 18, 2021
Another good guy, gone to soon....
RIP brother
Nancy Kurpinsky
October 17, 2021
Bernadette and girls....I´m so sorry to hear about Willies passing. May he Rest In Peace.
Nancy Daly
October 17, 2021
He was a warm and loving man.He will be missed.hugs to his family
Sally Casazza
October 17, 2021
1 of my Best Pals.
You will be missed.
Vicki P
October 17, 2021
RIP my childhood buddy. You always had the magic, and I know you are sharing your twinkle blue eyes and magic spirit in the other life.
Chris Diaz
October 17, 2021
Chris Diaz
October 17, 2021
Chris Diaz
October 17, 2021
The memories we shared as friends, playing sports and as a co-worker, he was loved & respected by so many he will be missed and never forgotten. He enjoyed the 49ers games with his family and we shared many good times there! My sincere condolences goes out to Willie's family & especially his daughters, God Bless him, Willie "QB" Durkin, Rest In Peace, my brother.
Barbara Baxter
October 17, 2021
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Bernie and the girls. Willie was a long time, loving friend of the Baxters starting with Station 17 and then coaching PAL and Riordan with my beloved John Baxter. They loved each other very much and I know that they are together now talking trivia, coaching and having a cold one in heaven! You will be greatly missed, my dear friend!
nicol juratovac
October 17, 2021
To a true gentleman. Willie was always a great mentor to us young folks in the SFFD. He was a coach to us in many ways sharing his knowledge of the job. God bless you and your family, Willie! Thank you for having an impact on our lives. Now, Rest In Peace.
Al Lee
October 17, 2021
To Bernadette and the girls...my most sincere condolences on the passing of Willie. I will not be able to attend the celebration of life as I am in Hawaii now. In Waikiki where Willie and I were roommates during the 2017 St. Patrick´s day trip!
Slainte Willie! Here´s to you!
Brendan & Betty Quinlan
October 17, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to the Durkin family at this sad time.
gary l jackson
October 17, 2021
i do not drink light beer.see you at the celebration of life for Willie.
Bob Brodnik
October 17, 2021
Knew Willie for years. I was a cop. He always had a smile and made you feel good. God Bless Willie.9
Jack McGuire
October 16, 2021
Willie, West Portal will never be the same. Love ya buddy. We had many a night after Riordan games in the 70s when you coached with John Baxter and myself on the Riordan JV enjoying a few Silver Bullets and wine spritzers at Batmales. You did an excellent job coaching and dozens of kids will remember the help you gave them as now they are men with children of their own. Have a case of bullets with Baxter and say hello for me.
Coach Mac
Tom and Ruthie Kurpinsky
October 16, 2021
Love to all Willie's family during this time...He was a great guy; funny, loving and sweet. So many wonderful times were had ...we will miss you cousin and your sparkling Irish eyes xoxo Blessings and rest now in peace
Nanci J Dempsey
October 16, 2021
Willie was truly one of a kind. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Mike Carey
October 16, 2021
Thoughts & prayers to the family. Willie was a great guy.
rest in peace my friend.
Mike & Debbie Carey
Christabel Choi
October 15, 2021
Condolences to all of you. Alzheimer´s is no easy road. Goodbye, cousin Willie.
Slainte!
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