ISLESBORO — Earl F. Durkee, 85, of Islesboro, died at his home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Born on March 14, 1937 on Islesboro, he was the son of the late Donald A. and Dorothy Hamilton Durkee.

He was a member of the Class of 1954 at Islesboro High School, the first graduating class in the new schools. In his younger years, he enjoyed assisting the elderly with chores and doing odd jobs to help his family make ends meet.

Earl served in the U.S. Air Force and worked in telecommunications in Korea. Following discharge from the military and after living a brief time in Pennsylvania, Earl returned to Islesboro to help his family when his father was ill. He met and married Judith Hammond, had three children, and divorced 17 years later. Earl then married Janice Govoni, divorcing after 30 years of marriage.

Earl held various jobs in his early life learning carpentry from Chet Pendleton, and eventually starting his own general contracting business, building many homes on Islesboro. In his later years, he worked as a caretaker for several properties and began his beloved lobstering business. He continued doing carpentry, making furniture, chairs and most recently, bird house with the help of Andrew Coombs. Earl kept busy working on projects and was known as an avid sports fan that enjoyed watching games with his friends. His hobbies included making seafood chowders, growing flowers, and feeding wild birds. He loved animals, especially his cats.

Earl was a member of the Islesboro Fire Department, a member of the Islesboro Second Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge #89.

Predeceased by a grandson, Casey Durkee, he is survived by his three children, Earl “Kenney” Kenneth Durkee of Islesboro, Therese Adele Durkee and Michael Allen Durkee, both of Northport; siblings, Marjorie Brown of Islesboro, Julia Pendleton of Lincolnville, Grace Leach of Islesboro, Donald “Donnie” Durkee of Islesboro, Mary Gadbois of Beverly, Massachusetts; Shirley Durkee of Camden; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and a multitude of life-long friends.

There will be a memorial gathering for Earl on Saturday, August 20, 2022,  at 10 a.m., at the lower parking area just before the down dock formerly known as “Mosley’s dock”, overlooking the waters he frequented throughout his life. The Rev. Patricia Goodspeed will officiate. Private interment with military honors will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made in his memory to the Islesboro Community Fund, P.O. Box 166, Islesboro, ME 04848.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.