Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Ayling attended high school there before joining the Marines. He served from 1955 to 1958. He was stationed in various places, including Lebanon. While serving, he received his associate’s degree.
After returning from service, Mr. Ayling moved to New Dorp and eventually relocated to Arrochar. He was an detective with the Street Crime Unit and a hostage negotiator with the NYPD and retired in 1989. In 2004 he relocated to Bucks Country, Pa.
In his leisure time, Mr. Ayling loved rooting for the Mets and spending time with his friends and family. “He was very sociable. He had a lot of friends,” said his wife of 24 years, the former Maureen Destasio.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Ayling is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth Thorsen; Barbara Ayling, and Deborah Ayling; a stepson, James Destasio III; two stepdaughters, Barbara Destasio, and Sandra Lynagh; a brother, Raymond Ayling; and 11 grandchildren.
The funeral will be Wednesday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann’s R.C. Church, also Dongan Hills. Arrangements include cremation.
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