It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of a friend and former colleague, Sean Durkin. Sean and I were both elected as new Aldermen for the City of Darien in 1997. During the six years that we served together on the Darien City Council, those of us on the council came to know him as a principled leader whose only motivation was to do what was best for Darien residents and the community he loved.
Following his service to Darien, Sean continued his lifelong commitment to public service, serving ten years on the Downers Grove Village Council. In 2025, he was appointed as a Trustee for the Village of Woodridge, where he continued to bring the same dedication, integrity, and genuine concern for the people he represented.
Sean grew up in the Darien community, and his service extended far beyond elected office. He was a dedicated member of the Darien Lions Club and the Darien Rotary Club, always willing to volunteer his time and talents to making our community stronger. More recently, he served as President of the Seven Bridges HOA and was an active member of the Downers Grove Rotary, continuing his commitment to civic engagement and community service.
While deeply committed to public service, his greatest joy came from his family. He was a loving and devoted father to his son Gavin and his daughter Avery, and he was happily engaged to his fiancé Brenda, with whom he looked forward to sharing the next chapter of his life. Sean loved life, treasured his friendships, and surrounded himself with loving family and friends.
Throughout every chapter of his life, Sean exemplified what it meant to be a true public servant. He listened, collaborated, and led with humility, always placing the interests of residents above personal recognition. His legacy will always be the decisions he helped make and the lives that he touched through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Brenda, Gavin, Avery, and Sean’s entire family, his many friends. colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May they find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind and in knowing that his service made Darien, Downers Grove, and Woodridge better communities.
In honor of Sean’s life, a visitation will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 3:00-9:00 p.m. at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Avenue, Darien. Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Prayers will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a procession to St. Mary of Gostyn Church for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, will immediately follow the funeral Mass. Link
We hope those whose lives were touched by Sean will join in honoring a man who truly dedicated his life to serving others. Sean’s life was defined by service, friendship, compassion, and love; qualities that will continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.