William Francis "Bill" Durling

William "Bill" Francis Durling
October 21, 1974 – April 29, 2025
William Francis Durling-Bill to everyone who knew him-passed away too soon on April 29, 2025, in Towson, Maryland, at the age of 50.
Proudly born in Princeton, New Jersey, on October 21, 1974, Bill grew up in Newton until he moved to Hopewell Township where he attended Hopewell Valley High School and was a standout athlete. He loved playing baseball and was a star on the wrestling team, following in his dad's footsteps. He later earned a teaching degree from West Virginia University and a master's in Technology Education from Johns Hopkins University-because he believed learning never really stopped, especially when it could be used to make a really hilarious meme.
For 27 years, Bill poured his heart into teaching at Pine Grove Middle School, where he was a bright spot in the lives of countless students. His classroom was part learning lab, part comedy club, and entirely a safe place for kids to be themselves. He was beloved not only for his warmth, but for being the adult who never forgot what it felt like to be a kid, making everyone around him laugh. He was also the go-to tech guy at school-patiently helping even the most tech-challenged teachers. He had a way of making everyone feel capable and supported.
Charming, quick-witted, and effortlessly funny, Bill could make friends with just about anyone-even aliens, if he had ever gotten the chance. He was a die-hard Yankees fan, a stand-up comedy enthusiast, and a devoted Howard Stern Show listener. He loved music-especially The Doors, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead-and could just as easily spend an evening stargazing as he could describing, in great detail, the government's secret alien files.
Bill loved a good road trip, especially with his cousin Derek, and could turn a long drive into an unforgettable adventure. Behind the jokes and quick wit, Bill was a deep thinker with a very big heart-someone who thought about life's big questions while making you laugh over the small ones.
He is survived by his mother, Marie Durling; his sister, Deidre Durling; his brother-in-law, Tristan Cooke; his niece and nephew, Remi & Huxton Cooke; and his two adored cats, Coco and Cece, who are still wondering where the guy with the treats went. He is reunited now with his father, Bill Sr., likely catching up, talking about the Yankees, and keeping an eye out for UFOs.
One of Bill's dreams was to run with the bulls in Spain. While he never got the chance here, we like to imagine he's doing just that in the next life. Bill was a teacher, a friend, a brother, a son, a true original, and a one of a kind classic. He made the world funnier, kinder, and a lot more interesting.
There will be a celebration of Bill's life in Maryland, Das Bierhalle in Parkville, on May 16th between 3-6pm. There will also be a celebration for Bill on May 19th at Alchemy in Princeton (4451 RT 27) between 3-6pm. Due to limited space in both places, the celebrations are meant for people who knew Bill personally; a place to come and share memories with friends and family. There will be no formal ceremony at either event, so please feel free to pass through as you like. If you are coming to the NJ celebration, parking is very limited. Please carpool or consider parking in the Princeton Marketplace parking lot.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the American Diabetes Association in Bill's name, adopt a rescue cat, or tell a joke that's just on the edge of inappropriate-Bill would've loved that. Condolences can be sent to Marie Durling at 188 Pennington-Harbourton Rd, Pennington, NJ 08534.
And a Baba Booey to y'all.