Daniel Joseph Durako

Born Aug 26, 1942 Died May 26, 2018

Daniel Joseph Durako of Oriental, North Carolina, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, died peacefully at his home in Oriental May 26, 2018.

Dan was born to parents Lena and George Durako of Springfield. They, along with his brother, David Durako preceded him in death. He is survived by a daughter, Danielle Rothrock of California and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Dan was raised in Springfield and attended Griffin High School, graduating in 1960. After completing his degree at DeVry Technical Institute of Chicago, he was called to fight in the Vietnam War from 1965 through 1966 and served in The First Infantry Division there. He would again play a part in the Vietnam War for a second time in 1969, but this time as a musician and entertainer touring with The United Service Organizations.

After the war Dan settled in Southern California and became a professional guitarist and vocalist touring with noted acts of the day including fifties and sixties idol Fabian, along with The Hagar Twins of the TV show Hee-Haw fame. He was a close friend of Elvis Presley’s guitarist, John Wilkinson, and collaborated on many of John’s projects. They remained friends throughout their lives. “Uncle Dan” loved to play and create music.

Dan eventually moved to Oriental, North Carolina in the eighties and worked as the Operations Manager at Sea Harbor Yacht Club until his retirement. Oriental was his home and he had many friends there who also became part of his extended family. The Durako family would like to extend a sincere personal thanks to all of the people of Oriental who were close to Dan. He dearly loved his life, his work, and all of his friends and family there in Pamlico County.

Private graveside services for Dan will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.