Kenneth J. Durkin Jr., 48

Hudson - Kenneth "Ken" J. Durkin Jr., 48, formerly of Marlborough, died at home Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 after a fighting a courageous battle against cancer.

He leaves his loving wife of 18 years, Patricia (Donoghue) Durkin; his parents, Kenneth and Barbara (Chamberlain) Durkin Sr.; his sister, Maureen Baker and her husband, Raymond; his brothers, Timothy Durkin and Brian Durkin; and 18 nieces and nephews.

Born in Waltham, he was a 1979 graduate of Marlborough High School.

Mr. Durkin was a supervisor at Kids Only of Westborough for the past four years. Previously, he was employed at EMC in Westborough for several years and at Data General, also in Westborough, as a supervisor in the shipping and receiving plant for more than 20 years.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles FOE 3565, where he helped in the kitchen and with fundraising. He enjoyed race cars and NASCAR, and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt. He also loved water sports and summered at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. He played pitch and cribbage, and was an enthusiastic Red Sox and Patriots fan.

A funeral mass was celebrated March 1 from St. Mary Church in Shrewsbury, with burial to be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough. The John P. Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough directed arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Marlborough Eagles, c/o James Hollis, 56 Florence St., Marlborough, MA 01752 to start a scholarship in Mr. Durkin's name.