John J. Durnin Jr.
John J. Durnin Jr., known as “Bull”, 79, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away at his home on August 19, 2021. He was the son of the late John J. Durnin Sr. and Sylvia Guzzo Durnin.
He was the owner and operator of Durnin’s Fast Plumbing, founded in 1946 by his father. He was also an entrepreneur in many real estate renovations and holdings. He was very successful in his business ventures.
Bull was an avid sports fan, especially football, and was a huge fan of the Phillipsburg Stateliners, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was an All-Star parochial football player and coined his nickname for his powerful running plays through the line like a “Bull”. He was a semi-pro football player for the Hackettstown Warriors in the early 1960’s.
Bull was an original founder of the Pohatcong Warrior football team. He was also a Garnet Booster Club member and a proud sponsor for many of the Stateliner game balls. He was a longtime member of the Pomfret Club in Easton.
Bull was married to Marlene Polgardy Durnin, whom he remained friends throughout his life until her death. Together they had 5 children: John J. Durnin III and wife Aimee, daughters; the late Michele Sands, Christine and husband Robert Deacon, Bridget and husband Matthew Pastula, and Holly and husband Terrance Merante. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and his companion, Phyllis Porter.
Along with his parents, he was pre-deceased by his beautiful daughter, Michele Sands, and his brothers, Bernie and Joey.
He leaves behind many family and friends, including his sister-in-law Immaculata “Mog” Durnin and her three daughters and family.
His greatest passion in life were his grandchildren, traveling, real estate ventures, and shopping.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Finegan Funeral Home at 924 2nd Avenue in Alpha, NJ, with an additional calling hour on Friday from 10-11 am. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The entombment will be at the Holy Apostles Mausoleum in Greenwich Township, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.