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Joseph Durkan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Durkan
Ed Kocis
February 12, 2007
To the Durkan Family - My sympathy goes out to all of you. I share your loss. Joe and I were friends since second grade at St. Mary's. Joe and I spent many good times (and tough times) together. Joe had the ideas and I was a willing partner. Joe was known as the mainline man and I was one of his regular partners in that poor excuse for a past time. It was cheap fun and we both enjoyed it. Maureen recounted his fame as a legend in his own time catching a ride on the Phoebe Snow. But few people know that he had a greater challenge on a fast freight out of Dunmore one day. It took us 3 attempts to catch the train and once we did it was like having a tiger by the tail. We got close to Elmhurst on a slight downgrade and the train picked up more speed. Joe and I decided to jump off before it got going even faster. I saw Joe go head over heels 3 times before he landed in the cinders along the tracks. He tore up his knee pretty bad and I helped him hobble back to Dunmore to patch him up. I suspect that signature gait Joe had, may have come from that day. I had always thought we would have many good times together after I retired in 2 years from now, but we all know "God finds humor in our plans". JD and I had some difficulty connecting the last few years. That makes his absence worse. JD....until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
John Manrique
February 2, 2007
Coach I knew you for the last year or so and we reflected on the past sierra vista wrestlers that we both knew and I had a blast talking to you about those guys. you had a great impact on those kids and and you will be missed as you were and still are a GOOD man and all the youngsters who crossed paths with you are better people because of you. May your family be proud that you served the youth well..please reast in peace COACH !! God Blee You Buddy !!! John aka Hogans Alley Buddy
Maria Lizalde
February 1, 2007
I knew Mr. Durkan from NPHS. I was one of the many students that were lucky enough to have met him. I will always remember his smile and the love he had for his "NPHS Kids." Class of 1990.
Bob O'Brien
February 1, 2007
JD, you were a great guy and a lot of fun growing up. Always ready for a pick-up basketball game. You really worked hard.
Erica Shorr
February 1, 2007
To all the Durkan family I wish you peace and send you strength at this time. I will always remember Joe as a someone I always saw smiling. You are all in my heart.
E. Shorr
John Bryant
January 31, 2007
"Coach" you will forever be in my thoughts and I will miss the times we shared. You were a great man and friend. Share some of your great jokes with Lord now, I know he will get a kick out of them as I did. Your best bud forever.
January 31, 2007
Dear Coach,
You were a great friend and advisor to so many. We enjoyed hearing all of your stories over a pizza. You will be very missed. May God be with you.
All of your many friends at the Pizza Place
Maureen Krisovich
January 30, 2007
If ever there were a man whom a book should have been written about, it was my oldest brother, Joe. The story of his life, although too short, was one to be told. He touched a wide variety of people in many ways. He was a bigger than life type of guy in every aspect of his life - his work, his family, his service to his country, his education, his children. He gave big and he took big. I was his only sister and I knew he loved me, as I loved him. So dear brother, until we meet again in the loving arms of our Lord, I shall miss and remember you always in my heart.
Valeri Gutierrez
January 30, 2007
I worked with Mr. Durkan as his secretary at A. B. Miller High. He was known as "The King of the Grassy Knoll" as he was, without fail, on the hill in front of the school daily during "bewitching hour" interacting with students and keeping the school safe. His doors were always open and he seemed to keep a balance of genuine kindness and constructive discipline as an administrator. I knew him as a man of many accomplishments and he deserves great respect.
Tom Reasin
January 30, 2007
My sincere sympathy and concern for the Durkan family. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with Joe while at A.B. Miller High School. Joe was a very positive, upbeat person who had a friendly word for everyone who crossed his path. His sense of humor kept us all laughing. Joe had a sincere dedication to students, a great loyalty to his staff and school, and a love and passion for athletics. Joe made a difference in the lives of a number of students over the years. He was an educator, a leader, and a friend. I will miss him.
Gabriel Jacobo
January 30, 2007
To the Durkan family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of a Dear and loving friend. We met Joe at A. B. Miller and became good friends with him. We were just thinking of Joe the other day wondering how he was doing. We'll never forget you Joe, all the times we spent together you were always there for our family. A very kind and giving man who would do anything for you. Our sincere regrets to the Durkin family who he loved dearly.
The Jacobo's
Gabriel, Grace, Kyle, Gabriel Jr. Christine and Family
Alexis Boling
January 30, 2007
Many people knew my father as an educator and many as a friend. This is a tragic end to a life that touched many in different ways. Through the good times and the bad, he was still a man that accomplished so much and wanted to do the best he could. We know he is at peace and although its hard for all of us left behind, we find comfort knowing God has a plan for all of us.
Alexis (Durkan) Boling, daughter
Michael O'Connell
January 30, 2007
The "King of the Mainline" has completed his journey. I'll always remember your wit, your smile and your sense of humor during both good times and bad. Beneath that tough, Marine exterior you had a heart of gold.
My condolences to your family.
Mike "Oakie" O'Connell
Linus Durkan
January 30, 2007
Dear Joe: If a person is lucky they get to have a "hero" in there life.I was very lucky because I had two. first there was you Dad and then there was you. Thank you so very much for all you did for me and the family. Your Loveing Brother Linus
Judy Little
January 30, 2007
Dear Durkan Family, My sincere condolences. I had worked for him for more than 10 years and admired him greatly. There were many good times at North Park and I still remember them fondly. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Christy Boling
January 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Durkan family. I love you and wish I could be there in person now. Our fathers have passed from this life, but their spirits and legacies have not.
april le
January 29, 2007
We will miss you Joe... I can remember days in the park, and when you once carried all of us on your shoulders...
Sean Durkan
January 29, 2007
To my big brother Joe: I am very proud to have you as my oldest brother and mentor. As I sit back and remember us growing up, your advice, laughter, sense of humor, and direction in life will always be a part of me to help guide me. You have served your country. served as a family man, and educator. I will miss you. Love, your youngest brother Sean.
Dottie Masilotti
January 29, 2007
My heartfelt condolances to the family of Joseph Durkan. Physically gone but living forever in your hearts....A Friend of Linus
William and Antoinette Barowski
January 29, 2007
As said in the US Marine Corps hymn"if the Army or the Navy ever look on Heavens Scenes" they will find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines. You and brother Brian, two of "Americas Heroes" are now called once more to serve. GodSpeed Cousin and my fellow US Marines
Semper Fi Cousin
SSgt William"Bill"Barowski
Capt Antoinette"Toni"Barowski
Norman Hovsepian
January 29, 2007
I worked with Joe when I attended his Attendance and Transfer meetings at North Park while I was a counselor and assiatnt principal at Baldwin Park High School. Joe always had a smile and warm greeting whenever he would see me. He was the ultimate student advocate and there are many former students who came in contact with him and are better because of it.
Donna Kidwell
January 29, 2007
Dear Durkan Family,
My husband Jim and I knew Joe when he worked at NPHS. Joe followed Jim as Principal of NPHS. We loved him, his love of children and his sense of humor. He was very proud of his own children. He is at peace and will me missed.
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