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Robert E. Durkee
Date of Death: August 18, 2016
Date of Birth: March 21, 1919
Biography:
SOUTH PORTLAND - Robert E.(Bob) Durkee ,97, of South Portland, son of the late G.Adelbert and Jennie Durkee passed away August 18, 2016 at the Hawthorne House of Freeport under the special care of Hospice/VNA.
Bob was born on 700 Acre Island near Islesboro. Maine, graduated from Islesboro High School 2nd in his class... of two. During WWII he served with the Navy in the Pacific onboard the USS Ulysses preparing for the invasion of Japan, if needed. While in the Pacific, he was awarded the Asiatic/Pacific medal, along with the WWII Victory medal. He was proud of his 7 voyages under the Golden Gate Bridge.
After the war, he helped build the new Maine Turnpike as a carpenter, constructing wooden cement forms for the overpasses. Later, he worked at the Portland Post Office on Forest Ave. Retiring at age 70 after 20 years, he then enjoyed tending his gardens with wife Ellen, on School St. With a large extended family, they enjoyed frequent visits.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen, his children, Stephen Durkee and wife Anna of The Villages,FL, Daughter Pamela Donaldson and husband Gary of Windham. Stepchildren Sylvia White and husband Fred of Florida, Elizabeth White and husband John of Saco, Randy Adams and wife Pamela of Portland, and Peggy Strout of Westbrook. Bob is also survived by three of his seven brothers, Gerald of Rhode Island, Douglas of Union, Maine, and George of Islesboro .Also survived by many many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved grandson Michael Donaldson, brothers Donald, Clifton, Wentworth, and Charles, and stepson Donald Adams.
There will be a military funeral honors ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.