Durbin’s co-owner remembered as family man, ‘character’

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James McAuliffe

Updated: November 24, 2011 3:34AM

Burbank restaurateur James McAuliffe was a great cook, had a wonderful sense of humor and was a devoted family man and a friend to the community, his family and friends say.

Mr. McAuliffe, 75, the general manager and co-owner of Durbin’s Restaurant and Lounge in Burbank, died Tuesday. He is survived by his wife, Bonita, nine children, 17 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, four brothers and one sister. One brother, John McAuliffe, preceded him in death.

“He was the best big brother you could possibly have,” said his brother and Durbin’s co-owner Tom McAuliffe. “When my father was sick and dying, he and his wife stayed in the home and financially helped my mom until she was more stable.”

Tom McAuliffe said that James, the oldest of seven children, was an Army veteran who served in Korea. He said James first worked with their father at Bethlehem Steel.

“When I decided to open the first Durbin’s, in 1987, he helped me run it. He was a good guy, a character, always funny,” Tom McAuliffe said. “Most of his customers became his friends.”

Tom McAuliffe said his brother’s personality and friendship helped build business at the first restaurant, paving the way for him to open five others in the Southland. While James McAuliffe was not actively involved in the others, Tom McAuliffe said he made sure the recipes were right.

“He’d give everyone a spoonful of soup to try. He always made corned beef and cabbage around St. Paddy’s Day. Everyone knew him,” Tom McAuliffe said.

Recently retired state Sen. Louis Viverito (D-11th) said James McAuliffe donated many old movies to the Louis S. Viverito Senior Center in Burbank, resulting in a room there being named in his honor.

“The seniors really enjoy watching those old movies,” Viverito said.

Viverito said he knew Mr. McAuliffe for a long time.

“He was a good cook, hardworking and had a sense of humor,” Viverito said. “At Durbin’s, he was always there greeting people with ease. Plus, he made the best chili and corned beef and cabbage. He was like an Irish leprechaun.”

Visitation for Mr. McAuliffe will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at Lawn Funeral Home, 7909 State Road, Burbank. A Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Albert the Great Church, 5555 State Road, Burbank. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W. 111th St., Alsip.