Bernard M. Durkin

Bernard M. Durkin, 75, formerly of Ambridge, passed away on Saturday morning, May 20, 2017, at Beaver Meadows, Brighton Township, where he has resided since September, 2015.

Born on November 13, 1941, Bernard was the son of the late Edward Durkin and Cathryn Madden Durkin. He was a parishioner of the former Divine Redeemer in Ambridge and more recently a member of St. Catherine of Siena in Crescent. Bernard was a 1959 graduate of Ambridge High School and graduated from Alliance College in 1963 with B.S. in Chemistry. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1968 and continued his service as a Chief Radioman in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 16 years. Bernard was employed at J&L Steel as a Quality Control Chemist and after J&L's closing, he obtained his Teaching Certifications in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, followed by his Masters of Science Degree from Duquesne University. He taught Chemistry at Serra Catholic School and Ambridge Area High School and was an Adjunct Professor and Director of Science in Motion at Westminster College, retiring in 2008. Bernard was very involved in the Knights of Columbus for many years, holding numerous positions including, Grand Knight. He was a life-long learner, active in many chemistry and science organizations, a member of the American Legion, a past director of his college fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma and participated in various groups dedicated to celebrating and preserving his Irish heritage, which culminated with a trip to Ireland in 2009.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle, John Madden, his aunts, Mary Madden, Eleanor Pavlick, Regina Cross, Catherine and Mary Durkin, Alice Dempsey and cousin, Martin Madden.

Mr. Durkin's family would like to thank the many dedicated staff members of The Village at St. Barnabas, Beaver Meadows and St. Barnabas Hospice for their support and compassionate care.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 199 McGovern Blvd., Crescent, PA 15046 until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 pm. Private burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation at www.sigmataugamma.org or St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, St. Barnabas Charities at www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

BOHN-MATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 1099 Maplewood Ave., Ambridge, is in charge of arrangements.

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