Clyde Durkee, comic industry veteran and owner of East Coast Comics in Hamilton, New Jersey, died on December 27th at the age of 72. 

Durkee was one of an important group of northeastern U.S. comic dealers that helped develop the comic business in the 70s and 80s.  Durkee made his bones in the business buying comics in bulk from magazine distributors and selling them to retailers and fans through ads in Comic Buyers Guide and Marvels and DCs.  He made the transition to direct market supply in the 80s, eventually selling his wholesale business to Ivan Snyder's Heroes World so he could concentrate on sales to fans. 

He is survived by his son and his mother.