Thomas L. Durkin

Thomas Lee Durkin, age 74, peacefully joined the angels August 20, 2023 surrounded by love, family and friends. A Cincinnati native and ’66 Elder graduate, he served in the Air Force earning the rank of Sergeant before getting married and completing his English degree at Edgecliff College. A consummate thespian, he helped found Bunbury Players in Mildenhall, England and was highly active in the Cincinnati and Columbus community theater scene for over 50 years. He was used to wearing different hats as director, actor, writer, producer, and he won several awards for his efforts. Several of his original works have been produced, and he completed the libretto for a musical this past year. He even appeared on shows like “Unsolved Mysteries” and occasional films. He was a lifelong die-hard Reds fan and adored baseball. Those who knew him well would attest to his wit, sense of humor, kindness, love of theatre, and insane passion for coffee and cigarettes, often simultaneously.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys (Holzapfel), and his father, Patrick Durkin; he leaves behind his children Kathleen Kleemeyer (Joshua) and Erin Durkin, grandchildren, Grant and Grace Kleemeyer; siblings Elaine Cullen (Richard - deceased), Michael Durkin (Cindy – deceased) and Linda Langer (Mark), nephew Robert Cullen and niece Christina (Langer) Bogdan. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 29th at the Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home 4619 Delhi Rd. from 10:30-12:30 PM. Funeral Mass will follow at St. William Church at 1:15 PM.  In lieu of flowers, his daughters ask that donations be made in Thomas’ name to the Bunbury Players or Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, where he received compassionate and loving care.

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