Harold A. Durst

Harold A. Durst “Active in Scottish Rite Masonry” Harold A. Durst, age 92, of Erie, died Saturday, February 3, 2007 at Saint Vincent Health Center. He was born in Pekin, Ill. on September 9, 1914 son of the late Valentine P. and Gertrude (Genheimer) Durst. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret “Peg” Bierer Durst in 2001. Three brothers, Ralph, Roland and Chester Durst. He graduated from Academy High School and took post high school classes. He was self employed in H A Durst Supply. He was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church since 1917, served as trustee and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a 60 year member of Tyrian Lodge, #362, F. & A.M. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Erie, Corneted a 33rd Degree, in 1980. He also received the Meritorious Service Award. One of the original founders of the Scholarship Foundation of Erie Scottish Rite. He served as Hospitaler for many years. He was the former chairman of the Hospitalers Committee, Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation. Legion of Honor, Demolay. He was a member of Zem Zem Shrine, member and past president of Zem Zem Brass Band. He was a member of Erie Rotary for 34 years, editor of the Erie Seaway newsletter for 11 years, past president of the Elk Valley Rotary, recipient of the Paul Harris award in 1999. Life member of Erie Maennerchor Club, past trustee and board member of YMCA (35 years), recipient of the YMCA Quarter Century “Man of The Year” award in 1995. Past President of the Glenwood association. He enjoyed wood working and donated hand-crafted furniture to Rotary, Scottish Rite and area Churches; gave his trademark wooden Scottish dogs to over 50 friends and neighbors. He is survived by his beloved children Robert Durst and his wife Linda of Girard, Richard Durst and his wife Brenda of Edinboro and Nancy Gibson and her husband Mark of Zanesville, Ohio. A brother, Charles Durst and his wife Dorothy of Erie. Eight grandchildren Jennifer Manno, Matthew, Daniel, and Eric Durst, Angela Blasco, Kristy Bochert, Erin and Andrew Gibson; nine great grandchildren and a close friend Jean Olson of Erie. Friends may call at the Merle E. Wood Funeral Home, Inc., 215 West 25th Street on Tuesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church, 21st and Sassafras St., with Pastor M. Patricia Mollick officiating. Private burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Tyrian Lodge will conduct a Masonic service Tuesday night at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Scholarship Foundation Erie Scottish Rite, P.O. Box 1364, Erie, PA 16512. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.