William D. Durgin, formerly of Orleans, MA and Mesa, AZ, passed away at age 85 on April 13, 2016. William, known as Bill to his family and friends, was born in Shrewsbury, MA and graduated from Shrewsbury High School. He then proudly served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Photographer’s Mate, Second Class. Bill earned his accounting degree from Syracuse University. He enjoyed recounting stories of his business ventures with his fraternity brothers, with whom he stayed in contact. Ever the devoted husband, Bill married Rita (Moulin) in July of 1956. They met while Bill was delivering groceries, an encounter that was arranged by a mutual friend. During his career, Bill worked as an auditor and earned his CPA at Lybran, Ross Brothers and Montgomery. Bill was Comptroller for Massachusetts Street Railway Company and Hathaway Corporation before joining MidCape Home Centers (Nickerson Lumber Company) in 1966. Bill achieved the position of Vice President of Finance, CFO, and Corporate Treasurer at MidCape Centers and worked there until his retirement. Bill served as a lector for many years at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans. Bill joined the Knights of Columbus at age 18. He was a lifelong member and was appointed District Deputy from 1982 to 1985 in the Pope Paul VI Council No. 7312. He later became a member of the Mesa Knights of Columbus Council No. 9485. Bill and Rita moved to Mesa, AZ in 2006, but Bill remained a CapeCodder at heart. Nothing brought them greater joy than spending time with family. Each year they would host an Independence Day cookout for family and friends after the local Orleans parade, with Bill happily manning the Weber grill. Bill was proud of his Irish and French Canadian heritage, but loved Italian food – he was famous for preparing his Christmas Eve fish chowder and antipasto. Bill also had a knack for gardening and passersby often stopped to admire the dahlias in his front garden bed. Bill and Rita moved to Gilbert, Arizona in 2014.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rita G. Durgin, daughter, Sherri Durgin Campbell (Donald) of Rutland, VT, son, Ronald Durgin (Christine) of Mesa. AZ, and daughter, Diane Durgin of Irving, TX, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Rita Moulin and Ellen Moulin. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Annie (Thibodeau) Durgin, siblings, James Quentin Durgin, Lloyd Durgin, and Mary Theresa (Durgin) McLaughlin, and brothers-in-law, Marcus Moulin and Arthur Moulin. Family and friends will gather to honor Bill and celebrate his life at the Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road in Gilbert at 11:00 am on Friday, May 6, 2016. Entombment will be at Mountain View Cemetery. The family would like to extend special thanks to the caregivers at Care 2 Care, Hospice of the Valley, and Generations at Agritopia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Hospice of the Valley in Bill’s honor. Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona is assisting the family.
Diane, my condolences to you, your mom and family. I remember your mom and dad fondly growing up in Orleans. My thoughts and prayers to you all in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely, Leah Newcomb Daniels
My heartfelt condolences to the Durgin family. I have wonderful memories of visiting “Mom and Dad Durgin” in Orleans and enjoying some of those 4th of July cookouts. I count myself fortunate to have known you all – and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Rita and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Bill and his kindness at family events and his hospitality at your home in Orleans. May he be at peace.
Fondly, Richard E. Rumrill
Mr. Durgin will be missed.
Good memories, very dear to us
Our deepest sympathies go out to Rita and family.
From Anat, Oren and kids
and rest of CARE2CARE family
Shrewsbury High School Class of ’48 has lost a great man! Great family!
Bill – always the gentleman – God Bless –
Our heart breaks for you all! Aunt Rita and Uncle Bill where a True Love Story! They where a wonderful example to us all plus taking care of each other untl the end! Our families had fun loving Celebrations on Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. through the years! We have lots of family movies to keep everyone in our Memories Forever! Uncle Bill will be greatly missed! Hie is at Peace with Dad. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Love always your Neice and Godchild, Gloria
I was saddened to read of Bill’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you Rita and family. I can remember many times crossing the street to talk with Bill. He was one of the finest men I have ever known.
Bill Snow