Donald David Durkee, age 100, of Marblehead, died Saturday, Nov. 8, following a brief illness. He was the son of H. Allen Durkee and Dorothea Bruce Durkee.
Born in Lynn, Donald lived in Swampscott, Marblehead and Naples, Florida, throughout his life. He graduated from Vermont Academy in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was discharged as a seaman first class in June 1946. He graduated from Dartmouth College and was married to Nancy Winchester Smith in 1949. He went to work at Durkee-Mower, Inc., a regional food manufacturer known primarily for Marshmallow Fluff and the fluffernutter sandwich. He eventually rose to the office of treasurer there and then served as president from the mid-70s to 2019 when he retired at age 94.
Durkee was known for his enthusiasm for skiing, sailing and badminton and his lifelong love of golf. He was also a private pilot and an inventor with one patent in his name. He was a longtime member of Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead, where he served as president of the club in 1989 and on planning and finance committees in the 80s and 90s. He was elected an honorary member by the board for outstanding service to the Club. He was a trustee of the Eastern Bank from 1969 to 1995. He was also involved with Northeast Arc starting in 1955 and served as board treasurer from 1960-65.
He is survived by his children, Peter and his wife Tessa Matthey of Seattle, Washington, and Gail of Peabody, David and his ex-wife Brenda of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Jonathan and his wife Susan of Lynnfield. He also leaves his grandchildren Jeffrey, Gillian, Andrew, William and Anna.
He is predeceased by his wife Nancy and his grandson, Donald. A private memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Northeast Arc, 1 Southside Road, Danvers, MA 01923 or bit.ly/nearcdurkee.
