Paul G. Durkin

Paul G. Durkin, 94, of Clarks Summit died on April 7, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clare Vanston Durkin.  Born at home in West Scranton, he was the son of the late Martin and Helen Drury Durkin. 

After graduating from St. Ann’s High School, he attended the University of Scranton before entering the Navy during World War II.  He attended St. Lawrence University as an officer-candidate, and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Miami Law School.  Paul retired as a Special Agent of the FBI.  He later served as Police Chief of Scranton, director of Security and Transportation for Marcal Paper, and founder of Durkin Associates, performing government and private investigations. 

“Ding” was a self-proclaimed “sports enthusiast” who played football, baseball and was named a basketball state All Star. His last college at-bat was a walk-off home run. While in law school, he declined a baseball tryout with the Phillies. Paul was a man of integrity, kindness and loyalty who was devoted to his Roman Catholic faith.  He was a voracious reader and devoured crossword puzzles.

Paul is survived by his four children and their spouses: Drs. Marcelyn and Joseph Diorio, Lansdale; Joseph Durkin and Eileen Reilly, West Pittston, Thomas and Maria Durkin, Pittsford, NY, and Margaret and Peter Alexander, Mt. Arlington, NJ.  Paul’s grandchildren include: Joseph and Daniel (Chelsea) Diorio, Dr. Bridget Durkin (Dr. Erik Saka), James, Michael (Sarah), Sean and Allison Durkin, and Dr. Erica and Douglas Alexander, as well as great-grandchildren Caide and Lilah Diorio, and Noah and Abigail Durkin.

Paul is survived by his brother Robert “Herky,” and by many nieces and nephews whom he cherished.  He was preceded by brothers James, Joseph, John, Stephen and Martin.

Due to the current pandemic, a funeral liturgy and celebration of Paul’s life will be scheduled in the future at the Church of St. Gregory with arrangements by the Vanston and James Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. Gregory in Clarks Green or the charity of your choice.

5 Comments

  1. Joseph Kevin Walsh

    Condolences to The Durkin Family. Paul and my Father Robert graduated the same year from St Ann’s and he always spoke with great respect for him. RIP.

  2. Andy Maseyko

    Clare and family, I worked with Paul for a few years before he retired and had the utmost respect for him and his standards. He was a gentleman with uncanny instincts and knowledge. He will be remembered by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Our deepest Sympathy, Andy and Beverly Maseyko

  3. Larry Kelly

    Sincere condolences and best wishes to the family of my friend, Paul Durkin.

    I had the honor of serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Scranton from 1970 to 1978.
    During that time I had very frequent encounters with Paul serving with the F.B.I. in the Federal Building on Washington Avenue. I was continually impressed with his knowledge, dedication and, at the same time, his wit, humor and understanding.

    I am certain that you all will have many, many happy memories associated with him being such a large part of your lives.

    Best regards,

    Larry Kelly
    Montrose

  4. Paul M. Durkin

    I was very proud of Paul I guess that’s why my father James his brother named me after him. RIP.

  5. Mary Ellen Lynott

    Dear Clare and family, Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. What a legend Paul was. We always enjoyed listening to his stories and he was always so interested in what other people were doing. He had a phenomenal memory and touched the lives of so many people. We were all so fortunate to have him as a role model and someone to emulate. What a full and interesting life he lived. I am sure Ding’s legend will not soon be forgotten. Love from the Downingtown Lynotts. Tim and M.E, Megan and Adam Thomas and Gretchen and Tim Gallagher.

Leave Your Condolences

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.