duryea was different from the unsavory characters he often portrayed. he was married for 35 years to his wife, helen, until her death in january 1967. the couple had two sons: peter (who worked for a time as an actor), and richard, a talent agent. at home, duryea lived a quiet life at his house in the san fernando valley, devoting himself to gardening, boating, and community activities that included, at various times, active membership in the local parent-teacher association and scout master of a boy scout troop.