William (Bill) was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, to his late parents, William, and Elizabeth (nee Petrie) Durnin on August 11, 1921.
Bill had a long and eventful life. He fought in WW2 in Africa and Italy as part of the British 8th Army. While stationed in Bari, Italy in 1943, he met his future wife Nina and quickly learned to speak fluent Italian. From 1943 to 1945, correspondence between Bill and Nina was difficult. After the war, Bill returned to Italy in 1946 and they were married that November. They moved to Scotland in 1947 and had their first 3 children, Douglas, William, and Alan. In 1958, the family moved to Long Island, New York and had their daughter Elizabeth in 1960. In 1965, he started the Regal Fence Company and retired in 1986.
Bill had 35 years of retirement and took full advantage of them. He remained active by playing golf into his nineties and using his treadmill until the age of 100. Bill and Nina took many trips to Scotland and Italy, and vacationed often with their close friends. He also read extensively , played chess and enjoyed solving newspaper puzzles.
He is survived by his loving family - his bride of 75 years, Nina (nee Cava); his children - Douglas (Patricia); Alan (Ellen); and Elizabeth (Scott) . Also surviving are his grandchildren -Jeffrey Durnin, Andrew Durnin, Jonathan Durnin, Michael(Julianne) Durnin, Amanda Siegel, Ruby Siegel, and Alexander Siegel; his great-grandson, Michael Anthony Durnin; and his siblings - Douglas, May, Eric, and Michael.
In addition to his parents, Bill is predeceased by his son, William Cava Durnin; his sisters - Betty, Isabel, Jean and Violet and his brother, George.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Tuesday, August 16th, from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m., and from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. The Catholic Wake Service will be offered on Tuesday evening during visitation hours.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DAndreaBrosFuneral.com for the Durnin family.
Bill will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Vista Life Innovations in Madison, CT , a program for adults with developmental disabilities, at www.vistalifeinnovations.org
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