Joseph C. Durkey

Joseph C. Durkey Jr., age 90, passed away on Monday, June 11th, 2018. He was born in his mother and father’s home near Pleasant City, Ohio. Joseph lived in the Akron area most of his life and graduated from Garfield High School. Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a Rifle Instructor and Military Police in Italy. He began working at the age of 16 at Firestone – working on assembly of parts for the military effort, and worked at Wingfoot Lake and at Goodyear on blimp projects. He also worked at B.F. Goodrich in Plant Protection and worked his way up to Quality Assurance Inspector for Military Projects at B.F. Goodrich – specializing in Navy contracts. He retired from B.F. Goodrich after almost 30 years of service. Joe had a deep sense of duty to ensure any project completed for ship or aircraft was done correctly in order to protect the lives of all military service personnel. Joe was proud of being able to build his own home… every block – every board – every nail. Joe enjoyed 68 years of marriage to the love of his life - his wife, Florence “Babe” Durkey. He enjoyed the many years spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters, Aubrey and Codi. Their contagious laughter filled their home and brought joy to his heart. He was “Uncle Joe” to many nieces and nephews and enjoyed visiting with them. Joe was “Old School” – he believed anything worth doing… you had to do it right… no short cuts. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Durkey Sr. and Sophie Durkey; brother, William Durkey; and sisters, Martha Johnson and Evelyn Thorn, he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Florence Marie Durkey; son, John E. Durkey; his wife, Karen Durkey; grandchildren, Aubrey and Codi Durkey; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, 5 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale Street NW, UNIONTOWN, Ohio 44685 (one block NW of the square of 619 & Cleveland Ave.) with Pastor Bob Collins officiating. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m. Burial will take place Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville. The family appreciates the ClearPath Hospice team for their dedication and commitment to their patients. In honor of this, memorials are suggested to ClearPath Home Health and Hospice, 475 Wolf Ledges Pkwy, Akron, OH 44311. (Hopkins Lawver, UNIONTOWN, 330-733-6271) www.hopkinslawver.com