Birth April 29, 1957
Brighton, MA
Death Dec. 3, 2024
Brattleboro, MA
Details of service
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at Saint Michael’s Church in Brattleboro, VT. A reception will follow at the Retreat Farm, Brattleboro Vermont. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vermont Law and Graduate School or the Harris Hill Ski Jump, Inc., ensuring that his commitment to community and preservation of the legal community lives on.
Hon. Thomas S. Durkin, a dedicated family man and friend, as well as a well respected member of the Vermont legal community passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones, and overlooking the beautiful property he had maintained for nearly four decades. He was 67 years old.
Tom was born in Brighton, MA and raised in Marlboro, MA. He developed a love for southern Vermont at a young age while traveling to ski at Hogback in Marlboro, Vermont with his “family” of both blood relatives and those who he would hold close for his entire life. Tom graduated from Marlboro College and earned his law degree from Vermont Law School. His passion for justice and his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship defined a career that spanned decades and touched many.
Tom began his legal career serving the people of southern Vermont with integrity and a profound sense of responsibility. He established a trusted practice with a lifelong friend and instilled a dedication to service through many volunteer positions. His exceptional legal mind and commitment to fairness later led to his appointment as a Superior Court Judge on Vermont’s Environmental Court, where he presided for twenty years. As a judge, Tom was known for his fairness, thoughtful rulings, mentorship and dedication to protecting Vermont’s natural beauty.
Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was a loving husband to his wife Sue, who he met skiing in those early days at Hogback. They were married for over 42 years and were devoted parents to Michael, Emily and Caitlin. He was a steadfast friend to many and always welcomed an unexpected visit to catch up in the driveway or share a conversation on the deck. As a true Vermonter and avid outdoorsman, Tom found solace in gardening, a peaceful walk in the woods, hitting the slopes with his grandkids and taking care of his beautiful 200 year old farmhouse. He also had a love for the salty air, spending many happy days sailing the waters, and cruising the beaches of his beloved Cape Cod.
Tom’s kindness, wisdom, and unwavering principles left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy as a committed father, friend and protector of justice will be remembered and honored by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife Susan, his son Michael and his wife Brianna, his daughter Emily and her husband Brandon and his daughter Caitlin and her husband, William. He also leaves behind his seven adoring grandchildren, Callum, Marley Rose, Bennett, Everett, Hudson, Isabella and Natalie as well as his father Tom Durkin Sr and his sisters Patte and Tracy, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother Janet Durkin and brother Peter.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at Dana-Farber, DHMC and Bayada Hospice for their compassionate care and to their incredible friends and family for their support during this difficult time.
Tom’s memory will forever be a guiding light to those who strive for a better and fairer world.
