Obituary of Michael B. Durkan

Michael B. Durkan of Binghamton, NY passed away at his home on October 8, 2019. He is predeceased by his mother Doris Brooks Durkan, his father, Bernard B. Durkan and an infant sister, Kathleen. He is survived by his wife, Roseann Durkan, his children Ian and Tracy (Kevin), brother Paul, former spouse Lynn Marie and cousins Celia (Richard) Grande and Eileen (John) Robinson. Michael was born December 4, 1948 in South Shields, England and immigrated with his family to the United States. He served with valor in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he moved to the Binghamton area to attend SUNY and earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. In 1974, Michael joined the Binghamton Fire Department - "the best job in the world"- where he made many lifelong friends. In 1975, as a new firefighter, Michael participated in the Rock Bottom Dam rescue. He served with distinction for 30 years, retiring as a Captain in 2004. Michael dearly loved his wife Roseann, with whom he shared his zest for life, enjoying music, dancing, sports, travel, and watching sunsets from the deck with a nice bottle of wine. Early mornings were reserved for crosswords and the sports section where Michael could review the highs and lows of being an avid Yankees and Giants fan. He was an adoring and extremely proud father to both of his children; always looking forward to visits with Ian in Virginia and Tracy, her fiancé Kevin and "granddog" Waffles in Chicago. He also leaves behind Roseann's five children, including Matthew Burruss, who Michael knew as a young child, and an infant granddaughter, Ridley, who brought him much joy. Michael will be dearly missed by his best friends, Michael Griffis and Susan Jackson and John and Betsy Foley. They have given Michael unwavering support and kindness along with hours of laughter and fun. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Joseph Readling and Broome Oncology, Dr. Susan Jackson, Angela Furch and the many medical professionals that cared for Michael. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday November 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. Rev. Corey S. VanKuren will officiate. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Friday November 8 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Retired Professional Firefighters Cancer Fund, 4 Loretta Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 or the Friends of the Broome County Public Library.