Sergeant Major Richard L. “Sarge” Durgin, Sr. retired, 68, of Leicester passed away on Saturday, January 31st with his family by his side. He leaves his wife, Peggy (Rondeau) Durgin with whom has taken this long journey; his son, Richard Durgin, Jr. and his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Katherine Rondeau and her husband, Raymond Levasseur; two step-sons, Harry Rondeau and his wife, Kristian and Shane Rondeau; brothers, Paul Durgin, William Durgin and his wife, Linda, Donald Durgin, Timothy Durgin, Paul Schold and his wife, Joanne, Doug Schold and his wife, Brenda; two sisters, Colleen St. Francis and her husband, Ernie and Darlene Durgin and her companion Arthur Brothers. He also leaves ten grandchildren whom he adored, Shawn Michael, Brianna, Alan Jr., Ashley, Shane Jr., Julia, Sean Joseph, Jake, Olivia and Anna and two great grandsons who were his pride and joy, Weston Durgin and Jaxon Dunn. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Ann Schold; his stepfather, Everette Schold; his father, Lloyd Durgin and his sister-in-law, Judy Durgin.
“Sarge” was born in Worcester and attended South High School before entering the United States Marine Corp. In November 1963, he received his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He then served in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Rick then transferred to the United States Army HHC 1st Battalion, 110th Armor Division. He then served with the 181st Infantry Regiment earning numerous awards and honors including the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal, retiring as Sergeant Major in 2002 after 35 years of service. He was extremely proud of his service to our country. He will be missed by his friends who he considered family at McQuire’s Lounge, especially Albie. He was a member of the YD Association and the Cherry Valley American Legion Post #443.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to his hospice nurses Karyn and Jeanine for the outstanding care provided to Sarge, and support they provided to us.
His funeral is Thursday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Wednesday, February 4th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Central Mass Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to Central Mass Hospice, 191 Pakachoag Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Well “Sarge” thank you for serving, “your tour is over”; rest now. You will be missed by many, I will miss you Grampa “High Five”, I Love You – Jaxson.