John F. D'Urso

John D'Urso Obituary

AUBURN < John F. D"Urso, 88, of Auburn, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, at the Upstate Medical Center. A life resident of Auburn, John was a communicant of St. Francis Church, and a past master of the Knights of Columbus Council 207. He had been employed at Cosentino"s Florist and later at Wells College, which he retired from in 1985. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Army in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. John was an avid golfer and bowler. He was a past president of the Auburn Bowling Association, member of the Auburn Bowling Association Hall of Fame, 700 Bowlers Club of America, certified instructor for American Junior Bowling Congress, receiving the Auburn Bowling Association Meritorious Service Award, and with his best friend, Joseph Carbone, won the 1996 Doubles Championship at the New York State Seniors Bowling Tournament. John was the founder and co-chairman with Joe of the Old Timers" Bowling Tournament at the Starlite Lanes for the benefit of the American Heart Association. He was awarded the Key to the City in 1995 by Mayor Guy Cosentino for his service to the community. That same year, he was cited for his outstanding community service by Senator Michael Nozzolio. He was a member of both the St. Francis Sports Hall of Fame and Indian Head Golf Course. John was a devoted New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange sports fan. The husband of the late Josephine D"Urso, John is survived by a daughter, Donna Elser and her husband Gary, of Liverpool; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joseph and Emanuella D"Urso, John was predeceased by four brothers, Salvatore, Frank, Ross and Joseph; a sister, Adeline Panarisi; and his best friend, Joseph Carbone. Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian burial to be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, in St. Francis Church, by the Rev. Eugene Dobosz. The funeral cortege will pause in front of Memorial City Hall as Old Wheeler Bell tolls in respect to his service to his country during World War II. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, where John will be awarded full Military Honors. Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Cheche Funeral Home Inc., Auburn. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.

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Published by The Citizen on Feb. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John D'Urso

9 Entries

Barbara & Chris Sawyer

February 7, 2009

We were so sorry to learn of John's death. He was a wonderful neighbor who helped us many times over the years of living next door. We will miss him.

Fran Hanley

February 5, 2009

Dear Donna and Gary,
I was sorry to learn of your father's (father-in-law's ) passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. May precious memories of treasured moments spent together bring joy and comfort to you. Extending my deepest sympathy to you.
Always,
Fran Hanley

Dan Elser

February 5, 2009

Donna and Gary, so sorry to hear the passing of your dad. I always enjoyed seeing him on my many visits to Auburn over the years and glad he was a part of all our family get togethers. I will always remember our special time that we all had the chance to be together, as a family,this last Christmas holiday. We will always cherish those happy memories of him. John was a great guy, always upbeat and so humorous, he always made me laugh with his quick wit and humor and he will be missed greatly. I wish that I could be there for you both, but please know that John and I send our deepest condolences to you both and our heartfelt prayers for your dad, for he is at peace now. We have you in our thoughts and prayers and may you find some comfort during this time of sadness.
Love you always, your brother in law Dan and John Romero

Paul D'Urso

February 5, 2009

Donna Jean & Gary
Both my wife and I were deeply saddened to receive the news of Uncle John's passing.
Uncle John lived his life to the fullest and was always a pleasure to be with. All who had the opportunity to meet and know him will truly miss him.
I hope I can live to be 88 and stay as vibrant as Uncle John, as you know he and I are much alike. I will very much miss my last Uncle.
During this difficult time of sad thoughts for you, please be sure to include a lot of happy thoughts about your dad, for he truly was a very happy and caring man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you come to terms with all the thoughts, emotions and responsibilities surrounding the passing of your dad.
Although we are not with you in body at this very difficult time please know that we are with you in spirit and say a loving good-bye to Uncle John.
Paul & Carol

kathy (Ferguson) Clingerman

February 5, 2009

To The D'Urso Family:
I first met your dad, when I was in Junior Bowling,thru the years we had become friends. He was a great man and will be deeply missed by everyone who got the pleasure to have known him.
May your stories become memories of your father help you through this sarrow time.

Lori Radcliff-Woods

February 5, 2009

John was a wonderful human being. I've known him since I was a little girl when he worked with my father Don at Wells College. Heaven is lucky to have him.

Margi Smith

February 5, 2009

Donna & Gary,

We're so sorry about the death of your Dad. May memories of happy times spent with him help to comfort you during this difficult time.

You're in our thoughts.

Sincerely,
Margi & Ron Smith and
Betty Badran

Emma Zammett

February 4, 2009

Donna, Gary & Family,
You visited my home in FL with your Dad and it meant so much to my husband and I. Now, you know they are visiting in eternity.
Thank you and God Bless you always,

Paulette DiMatteo

February 4, 2009

Uncle John I love you and I'll miss you.

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