Raymond J. Durso, Sr.

Mr. Raymond J. Durso, Sr., age 94, passed away on Saturday November 12, 2022, at the St. Luke’s Home with his beloved family by his side.

He was born in Utica, on January 2, 1928, a son of the late Salvatore and Cecelia Corelli Durso and was educated in local schools. He graduated from MVCC with a degree in Business Administration. Ray served our country during the Korean Conflict in the US Army from 1946-1948.

On October 10, 1953, he was married to Grace M. Tripolone in St. Anthony’s Church, Herkimer, NY a blessed union of 69 years.

Ray was employed for 42 years with the Chicago Pneumatic Co. as the Traffic Manager, until his retirement. He was a member of the Transportation Club of CNY and was a dedicated Noble Degree member of the Knights of St. John Commandry# 385. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Surviving are his beloved wife Grace, two daughters and sons-in-law Cecelia “Cissy” and Vincent Pastorella and Denise and Robert T. Giglio; one son and daughter-in-law Raymond J. Jr. and Diana Durso; his cherished grandchildren Vincent and Amanda Pastorella, Beth Ann and Carl Nora, Marianne and John Sodaro, Amy and Steve Hansen, Alicia and Patrick Suarez and Gennaro, Gianna and Alexa Durso; 10 cherished great-grandchildren; one brother Sam; his sisters-in-law Josephine Rocco, Philomena and Theresa Tripolone and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Tom Durso and wife Irene, one sister Mary, his brothers-in-law Anthony “Tony” Rocco and Philip and Carmen Tripolone. The family also extends a very special Thank You to Ray’s caregivers Henry, Lisa, Dee and Mary.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. Utica. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 12:00 noon in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, with US Army Military Honors. Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Central NY Chapter, PO Box 12226 Syracuse, NY 13218. Envelopes will also be available at the services. The Knights of St. John will conduct honors on Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm at the funeral home.