William Mairs Duryea Jr. Dies December 24 - 27 East
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Obituaries / Southampton Press / 2070561

William Mairs Duryea Jr. Dies December 24

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William Mairs Duryea Jr.

William Mairs Duryea Jr.

authorStaff Writer on Jan 13, 2023

William M. Duryea Jr. died in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Dec. 24 at the age of 86. Bobby, as he was known to all, was a lifelong outdoorsman, avid gardener and accomplished sailor. He loved all dogs (especially his prize-winning Norfolk terriers) and horses. He judged at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog 
Show and was on their Board of Governors. An accomplished sailor, one of his favorite quips was, “There are few things more enjoyable in life than messing around on boats.” In the summer that meant ferrying his grandchildren to the Quantuck Beach Club aboard Green Wing.

He was known as a great dancer and dapper dresser. A talented nature photographer, Bobby’s work was shown at the National Arts Club in New York, as well as galleries on Long Island and Florida.

Bobby was born on Sept. 20, 1936, the oldest son of William M. and Mary Atwell Duryea. He grew up in Old Westbury, N.Y. and Aiken, S.C. He graduated from Middlesex School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In a long and varied career, he worked as a broker on Wall Street and sold sporting art and fine jewelry. Later, he returned to school, earning a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York.

He was a devoted member of many clubs and organizations, including The Long Island Wyandanch Club, The Leash (a Governor), The Brook (a Governor), The Racquet & Tennis Club, The Holland Lodge Number 8, The Piping Rock Club, The West Hampton Mallet Club, Seawanhaka and Shinnecock Yacht Clubs, and The Beach Club of Palm Beach.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Lovejoy (Reeves) to whom he was married 46 years; four children: William M. Duryea III (Alliston), Melissa Duryea Lewis (Craig), Robert Atwell Duryea (Tina Robilotto), David McShane Duryea, and eight grandchildren: Olivia and Augusta Lewis, Adian, William, Peter, Andrew, Rosser and Owen Duryea. Bobby was predeceased by his siblings, Center Hitchcock, James “Jay” Duryea and Mary “Missy” Butterfield.

A memorial service will be held at The Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, Florida on Friday January 20th at 11am. If inclined, charitable donations may be made to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for Ukraine or Ducks Unlimited.

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