Obituary of Raymond M. Durkin

A devoted wife, five loving children, and nine beautiful grandchildren mourn the peaceful passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather Raymond M. Durkin, 78, of Maplewood, NJ on Tuesday evening, December 23, 2014. Ray suffered from an extended illness and was lovingly cared for by Joan Codey Durkin, his selfless wife of 48 years. During this time, family and friends had the chance to visit often and hear Ray's pithy stories about the ins and outs of New Jersey politics. Ray was born in Newark, NJ to James and Margaret Durkin. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep, served in the military, and then became a firefighter in Newark. He graduated from Seton Hall University on the GI Bill and in 1978 became the Essex County Purchasing Agent. This marked the start of his long and storied career in New Jersey Democratic politics. Ray served as Essex County Democratic Chair from 1980 to 1992 and as State Democratic Chairman from 1985 to 1990. Ray stood as a pillar of state Democratic politics for decades and continued to play an active role in shaping the future of the party even after his formal retirement from politics in 1996. In the political world, Ray was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, which when combined with his political acumen, often led to successful bipartisan collaboration. Raymond also served as President of Durkin and Codey Realtors and later formed Ray Durkin Associates, a firm that performed consulting work for various development companies throughout New Jersey. Raymond's passion was first and foremost family, but he was also an avid sports fan of Seton Hall Basketball, NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Notre Dame football. He participated enthusiastically in fantasy football and garnered several championships. Although Ray received various accolades over the years, he most valued his ability to help friends, family and strangers in need without seeking recognition for himself, the quality for which he'll most be missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Codey Durkin; devoted children Raymond, Jr., Christopher (Danielle), Timothy (Joanne), David (Allyson), Maureen Holleran (Matthew); a dear brother Frank Durkin; and also nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings Regina and James (Sonny). Please join the family as they celebrate "Chairman" Durkin's life at Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, NJ 07079 where visitation will be held on Sunday,December 28 from 3-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements are in care of Codey & Jones Funeral Home of Caldwell, NJ. To extend condolences or share a memory, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com FLOWERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Church or Seton Hall Prep "The Brendan P. Tevlin '13 Memorial Field Fund", 120 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052 (www.shp.org/pages/giving) would be appreciated.