Joseph A. Durling, Jr., 79 of Derry, NH died Friday October 27, 2006 in the Parkland Medical Center, Derry. Mr. Durling was born in Beverly, MA on July 16, 1927 a son of the late Joseph A. and Helen (Sullivan) Durling, Sr. He had resided in Derry for more than 40 years, formerly living in Beverly. He served with the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS Salerno Bay aircraft carrier. He began driving an oil truck at the age of 16 for Atlantic Gasoline Co. in Beverly, which later became Sam Goldberg’s Auto Supply Co. He then worked for Wilson Motors in Lynn, MA. In 1960 he went to work for Harvey LaFond at Wakefield Moving and Storage, Wakefield, MA which began his career with moving furniture. In 1966 he became a self employed contract truckman, working for companies such as Grey Hound Van Lines, later known as Smyth Grey Hound. He also worked for the Redball Co. He retired from trucking in 1982. Mr. Durling was a member of the American Legion Lester Chase Post #9 in Derry. He especially enjoyed playing “It’s a Beautiful Morning” on his truck’s musical horn.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joan F. (Edwards) Durling of Derry, four sons, Joseph J. Durling and his wife Kim, Richard, Michael and Thomas Durling, his daughter, Sally, three stepsons, Michael, Warren and Brian Spaulding, several grandchildren, one great grandchild, his sister, Constance Bracchi of Moultonboro, NH, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph A. Durling, III was killed during the Vietnam War. In addition, he was predeceased by his twin sisters, Joan and Jean and by his brother Richard.
There were no calling hours. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 1:00pm in the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 1 Hood Rd., Derry. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry.