David E. Durkee

David E. Durkee, 62, beloved son, brother, father, husband passed away on Tuesday June 26,
2018 after a brief illness. He was born on April 16, 1956 in Ipswich, MA, the son of the late
Charlotte F. (Clements) Durkee and the late Harland E. Durkee.
David graduated from Georgetown High School in 1974. He was the public works director for
the town of Boxford until 2005 leaving there to work for Mass DOT, then retiring in July of
2015. David was a dedicated firefighter serving with the Georgetown Fire Department Central
Fire Company as a volunteer for over 30 years.
In addition to his wife Paula Carlson Durkee, he is survived by his loving children Candace
Durkee Basham and her husband Brandon Basham of Gloucester, and their daughter Selene and
Caitlyn Durkee of Danvers. His is also survived by six brothers and sisters, Robert Durkee and
his wife Janice Moore of Gloucester, Cheryl Muise and her husband Clifford of Windham, NH,
Mark Durkee and his wife Cheryl of E. Kingston, NH, Cathie Southwick and her husband Craig,
Peter Durkee and wife Lisa all from Georgetown and Michael Durkee and wife Pam of Rowley.
He was predeceased by his brother John Durkee and sister Patricia Durkee.
David also loved his extended family leaving his step-daughters Kristen Carlson Watson and her
husband Wallace of Marston Mills and their children Aubrey, Brooke and Cailey, his step-
daughter Karin Carlson of Georgetown, his step-son Andrew Carlson of Rockland and his wife
Ashley and their children Damian and Ardin.
David was the best Dad ever. He was smart, funny, loving, and generous. He was the Dad who
drove the boat while the kids water-skied. He was the Dad who cleaned the fish we caught, or
kept the fire going while we ice skated. He was selfless and always the glue of the family making
sure we all got together, whether it be up at camp or for a special holiday. He was a very proud
new grampy and loved sharing her picture with anyone he met. He was an amazing brother
always being silly and goofing around with his brothers and sisters. Lastly he was a wonderful
husband, always doing what he could around the house to make it more comfortable and
beautiful, he loved gardening in his back yard and was always so proud of his delicious fruits and
vegetables every summer. He was a simple man who just loved a good breakfast on Sunday
morning and a red Sox game at night next to his dog, Bailey. He was cherished and loved very
much. He will be missed dearly by his entire family.
Family and friends are kindly invited to attend his Funeral Service on Sunday July 1 at 2 PM in
the Conte - Giamberardino Funeral Home, 14 Pleasant Street, Georgetown. Calling Hours will be
held on Saturday from 4 to 8 in the funeral home. For those who wish, In lieu of flowers a
memorial donation in his name may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Georgetown
Fire Association.

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