Joseph H. Durrell Jr., 86
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Joseph Harvey Durrell Jr., 86, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, at Sweet Brook Care Centers.
Born in New York City on Dec. 7, 1924, Joseph and Elizabeth Durrell, he graduated from the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., and from Williams College, where he majored in geology and was a member of Chi Psi. He raised his family in Radnor, Pa., at later retired to Dorset, Vt., and then to Bridgton, Maine, to live with his oldest son, the late James Durrell.
An Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, he served as a first lieutenant from 1942 to 1946.
Mr. Durrell worked in textile sales for most of his career, beginning with Burlington in St. Louis and ending with J.P. Stevens in Philadelphia.
He loved deep sea fishing and spent some of his happiest days aboard the Look Homeward several miles off the Jersey shore. On weekends, he took over in the kitchen, spending hours preparing the recipes of favorite chefs from Julia Child to Paul Prudhomme.
His wife, the former Ann Eshbaugh, to whom he was married 59 years, died in 2008.
He leaves two daughters, Connie Sheehy and her husband, Harry, of Williamstown and Lynn Karidis and her husband, John, of Ossining, N.Y.; a son, William Durrell and his wife, Michele, of Moretown, Vt., and three grandchildren, Amy Karidis and Jed and Grace Durrell.
Mr. Durrell was predeceased by his son James in 2010 and his brothers Robert and Lawrence Durrell.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Services for Mr. Durrell will be private. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, is in charge of arrangements. Contributions in his memory may be made to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire in care of the funeral home, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.