John J. Durkan, 83, of Gettysburg, PA passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on May 26, 2023.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Eileen (Cosgrove) and his children, Eileen White (Christopher), Maureen Yagesh (Christopher), John, Jr. (Heather) and Kevin (Jacqueline). “Pop” is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Megan, Brendan, Grace, Devin, Katie, Claire, Johnny, Colin, Ryan, Emily, Thomas and Teddy, who were all his pride and joy.
John was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 3, 1939. He was the son of Irish immigrants, John and Catherine (Ivers) Durkan, and the baby brother of the late Frances Dooley and the late Sister Joan Durkan, SSND.
John left Brooklyn for the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated in 1961. John then proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the turmoil of the Cuban Missile Crisis. After serving, John began what would become a distinguished career in Hospitality. As a young executive in Pan Am’s hotel division, John traveled the world helping establish hotels throughout Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. In 1979, John relocated his young family from Yonkers, NY to Atlantic City, NJ, where he made significant contributions to establishing the casino industry. John served as the first Director of Purchasing for Caesar’s, and, later, continued setting the industry standard for purchasing at Harrah’s and Resorts Int’l. After nearly two decades in Atlantic City, John served as a hotel/casino executive in New York, Washington, D.C., and the Bahamas. Throughout his professional career, John was recognized for his many philanthropic and charitable contributions as well as his trademark “Happy Day” greeting.
During his well-earned retirement years, John and Eileen lived in Lewes, DE before recently coming to Gettysburg. John will be remembered as a man of great faith, unwavering integrity and endless generosity.
Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 25 West High St., Gettysburg, PA. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the start of Mass Wednesday at the church. Interment will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at All Soul Cemetery, 1401 Brink Rd., Germantown, MD.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Previous Events
Visitation
31
May
25 West High Street
Gettyburg, PA 17325
Service
31
May
25 West High Street
Gettyburg, PA 17325
Graveside
1
Jun
1401 Brink Rd.
Germantown, MD 20874
