Thomas Durling, 79, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester on Monday, October 21st, 2024. There will be no calling hours. There will be a graveside service with full military honors on Monday, October 28th at 11AM at NY State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes. A humble man with a big heart for veterans and animals, donations may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project or to Beverly Animal Shelter.
Tom was born in Seneca Falls, one of two boys, to the late George and Gladys (Swinehart) Durling. He grew up in Seneca Falls and graduated from Mynderse Academy, Class of 1963. In the Fall of 1963, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He served in Vietnam, with a TDY in Africa. In February of 1972, he married the former Diana Phillips, and the two have been side by side since, celebrating 52 years this year.
Tom made a career as a machinist. He worked at Seneca Falls Machine Shop and finished his career as a machinist at Goulds Pumps, retiring after 24 years. Tom had a lifelong attraction to cars; the most recent apple of his eye was his 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, boating, and pretty much any other activity that got him out of the house. He was a member of Kirk Casey American Legion Post 366 and the Cyrus Garnsey VFW Post 1323, where he served as Quartermaster for many years.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Diana; sons, Steven (Becky) Durling, Timothy (Fiancé, Sharon) Durling, George (Deeann) Rice; grandchildren, Layne, Daelle, Junior, Colton, Pipper, Alaina, Haiden, Hunter; brother, Richard Durling, and several nieces and nephews and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, MaryAnn Durling.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas E. Durling, please visit our flower store.Make a donation to one of the following charities in remembrance of Thomas E. Durling
New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes
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