John Durkin

John Q. Durkin, 65, of Waverly, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 following an illness. His wife of 38 years is the former Frances Burke.

Born in Dunmore, John Durkin was the son of the late Patrick and Catherine Quinn Durkin. Mr. Durkin was a graduate of Dunmore High School and thereafter attended the University of Scranton, obtaining a degree in accounting. Following service in the Army National Guard, Mr. Durkin earned his law degree from Duquesne University in 1973. He served as the first law clerk to Judge Richard P. Conaboy. In 1974, Mr. Durkin joined the firm now known as O'Malley, Harris, Durkin & Perry, PC. He remained a partner in that firm until his death. Throughout his career, Mr. Durkin tried well over 100 civil jury trials throughout Pennsylvania, concentrating on defending hospitals and physicians in complex medical malpractice matters. Mr. Durkin was certified in 1981 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and received numerous honors throughout his legal career, recognizing him as one of the premiere medical malpractice defense lawyers in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Durkin was a longtime member of St. Gregory's Parish in Clarks Green, as well the Country Club of Scranton. A quiet, decent and moral gentleman, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Mr. Durkin is survived by four children, Francie Mena and her husband, Ismael, of Santa Fe, N.M.; Jody Healey and his wife, Maureen, of Clarks Summit; Barbara Perucki and her husband, Mark, of Dalton; and Patrick Durkin of Philadelphia; six grandchildren, Madeleine and Grace Mena; Catherine, Joseph and Julia Healey; and Jack Perucki. Also surviving is a brother, J. Brian Durkin of Philadelphia.

He was also preceded in death by a son, John.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory's Church, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green. The family requests that those attending the Mass proceed directly to the church.

Friends may call Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit.

Memorial contributions may be made to the M. Patricia Carroll Fund, in care of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, 55 Central Blvd., Camp Hill, PA 17011.