Stephen F. Durkin

Stephen F. "Steve" Durkin, 68, of Carbondale, died Wednesday at Allied Hospice, Scranton.

Born in Carbondale, son the late Robert and Anna May Scheressey Durkin, Steve was a St. Rose class of 1973 High School graduate and a University of Scranton class of 1977 graduate. A two-sport athlete at St. Rose, he got the first hit in the school's baseball history. He was the owner and operator of Durkin Apparel, Carbondale and Honesdale before becoming executive director of the Carbondale YMCA.

At the Carbondale YMCA, Steve was a swim instructor, program director and eventually executive director for more than 23 years. He approached all projects with a "Why not us?" attitude. Steve believed in always listening and following through when asking for advice, even if it meant taking risks.

He believed the three greatest projects that highlighted his career as executive director were: 1) Capital Campaign ... that helped the Y raise more than $10 million and took the Y from the brink of closure to a new modern facility; 2) Early Learning Program ... turned a one room preschool program into a program which involved Head Start, a toddler program and an after-school program; 3) The A-Team ... the program Steve was most proud. This two-hour weekly program allows those on the autism spectrum transitioning from teenage years to adulthood and their parents the opportunity and fun time for socializing with others.

The family sends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Neal Davis and staff, the doctors and staff at Geisinger CMC; and his White Bridge playground friends for their support and comfort.

Survivors include three brothers, Wally Durkin; Jerry Durkin and wife, Judy, all of Carbondale; Carl Durkin, West Chester; 26 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Pat, Joe, Jack and Jim Durkin; and one sister, Ann Marie Petrini.

A Celebration of Life (casual dress) will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at AJ's, 92 Dundaff St., Carbondale. If so desired, memorial contributions may be sent to the Carbondale YMCA Autism Program, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale, PA 18407.

Arrangements, Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 74 N. Main St., Carbondale. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home website.