Michael Durkot

Michael J. Durkot, 72, of Erie, PA, formerly a longtime resident of Hopkinton, MA passed away suddenly on Thursday November 18th, 2021 at his home, after a period of declining health.

He was born May 3rd, 1949, in Pittsburgh PA, the son of Michael J. and Irene M. (Dembowski) Durkot.

Michael graduated from North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh (class of 1967) before becoming a proud Penn State University Nittany Lion, earning his B.S. ’71, M.S. ’75, and Ph.D. in Physiology ’77. Following graduation, he served as a Research Fellow in Surgery at Shriners Burns Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. Michael went on to serve as a Research Physiologist with the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, MA, before his retirement in 2011.

Known by his many friends for his great sense of humor and love of animals, he was an avid golfer and fisherman, as well as a connoisseur of good and not-so-good movies. His prolific knowledge of Pittsburgh and Boston sports facts was a source of pride owed to his lifelong love of athletic competition. He continued to have spirited discussions about Penn State football after every game with his friends from graduate school.

Michael is survived by his son, Andrew Durkot and his wife, Miranda of New Market, MD; one sister, Shirley Dugan and her husband Thomas of Erie, PA; nephew Ryan Dugan of Erie, PA; niece Erin Dugan of Charlotte, NC; niece Kelly Yochim and her husband Jeffrey of Erie, PA; nephew Thomas Dugan and his wife Heather of Suffield, CT; former wife and dearest friend Anne Marie Durkot of St. Michael’s, MD; and many close friends across the country.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16506. A Mass of Remembrance will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 at St. Patrick Church, 130 E 4th St. Erie, PA 16507.

Gifts in Michael’s memory can be made to the Erie Humane Society, 2433 Zimmerly Rd Erie, PA 16506.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.