Robert E. Durling

Robert E. Durling, 81, of Camillus, passed away Friday, September 10, 2010 at home. Born in Syracuse on Tuesday, September 25, 1928, he was the son of Robert Roy Durling and Blanche Gunsalus Durling. He grew up in Skaneateles and graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1946. An Army veteran of World War II, Bob was stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska. Following the service, he enrolled at RPI and graduated in 1952 as a chemical engineer. He retired in 1987 after 29 years with Allied Chemical Corp. as a senior research engineer. He previously worked for General Electric. Bob loved animals and appreciated nature, especially camping in the Adirondacks. A great sports enthusiast, he was an avid supporter of West Genesee and Syracuse University athletics. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Shirley Graf; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Manny Freshman of Pittsford and Jill and Marty DiBattista and Terri and Tony Battaglia, all of Onondaga Hill; grandchildren, Brandon and Carly LeBlanc, Nina and Melissa DiBattista and Steve and Chris Battaglia; nieces, Beth Richards and Gail Morrow; and nephew, Gary Richards. There will be no calling hours. Services will be private and burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are by Buranich Funeral Home, Inc., Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or to the S.P.C.A., 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.