Richard C. “Dick” Duryea – 89 – formerly of 35 Preston Ave., Hornell passed away Friday morning (April 29, 2011) at McAuley Manor, after living a long and peaceful life. He was surrounded by his three loving daughters.
Born in Owego, NY on September 7th 1921, he was the son of John E. and Mabel (Bouquet) Duryea.
Dick was a U.S. Navy Veteran, honorably serving his country in WWII from (1942-1945). He moved to the Hornell area in 1940 and was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1941.
His first job was a coach sweeper for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. After serving his country he was employed as a licensed electrician for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad and later for the General Electric Corporation for many years retiring in 1981.
Dick enjoyed listening to big band music and had been a drummer for several area bands, including Joe Argentieri’s Band, Carlton Dart Trio and the Versitones.
A kind and gentle man, Dick had a great love for animals. He was known to many as the Silver Fox, and will be best remembered as a loving father and grandfather.
Surviving are his daughters, Robin Duryea, Paula (Jerry) Nichols, Pam (Jeff) Kelleher all of Hornell; his Grandchildren Nathan & Ryan Nichols, Brett & Justin Kelleher. His step-daughter, Kim DeMaio of Rochester; a very special friend of the family, Nancy Gurney, who was like a daughter to him.
The family of Richard C. “Dick” Duryea will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral & committal services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick Officiating. Burial will be in Arkport Cemetery.
Dick’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, PO Box 533, Hornell, NY 14843 or to McAuly Manor, 1 Bethesda Drive, North Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To the family of Dick Duryea.
Sorry to hear of his passing. I met Dick back in 1966 when I started to work for the railroad. I worked in the shops with him for ten years. He was a very nice and kind man. I had to relocate to Pennsylvannia when the shops closed in 1976. Dick was liked by many and will be missed. He was fun to be around and talk to.
Robin, Paula and Pam,
My sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you all…
Robin, Pam and Paula,
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with him, especially about the Bills, old movies and the good old days! It was good to see him last summer when I was visiting. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hold onto the memories and take comfort in knowing that God needed a drummer in the band.
Robin,Pam,and Paula,
“dad” was a special person.He was a loving,giving,caring person with a great sense of humor.He will be truly missed but not forgotten.Love you guys for all the great memories.You all are in my thoughts and prayers.Like Rick said God needed a drummer in the band and he got the BEST!!!!!
Pam and Paula – sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Duryea was a very kind and generous man. I remember when I was a little girl he would give everyone money to go to the movies that wanted to go. There is a special place in heaven for him.