Published in the October 2, 2015 edition
MELROSE — Charles A. Durney, 97, passed away at his home in Melrose on September 27, 2015. Charles was born in Everett on June 24, 1918 to the late Charles and Margaret (Smith) Durney. He was raised in Everett, graduated from Everett High School, Class of 1936, and had been a resident of Melrose since 1951.
Mr. Durney served his country with pride as a Navy pilot with the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1942–1945. Charles worked for the Air Force at Hansom Air Force base in Bedford as a civilian project manager for over 20 years. After his retirement in 1980 he continued to work as a consultant until 1991. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church in Melrose.
He was the beloved husband of the late B. Frances (Bigley) Durney for 70 years and the loving father of Pamela M. Johansen of Winchester; Paul R. Durney and his wife Karen of Florida; Charles A. Durney of Florida; Peter T. Durney and his wife Mary Beth of South Dennis; Patricia A. Durney of Melrose; Christopher M. Durney and his wife Gayle of New Hampshire; Maryellen Balfour and her husband Robert of Melrose; and the late Margaret F. Nichols, James M. Durney, John P. Durney and Thomas E. Durney.
He was also the caring brother of the late Robert Durney and is survived by 21 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Wednesday, September 30. His funeral from the Gately Funeral Home was held on Thursday, October 1 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose. Interment with military honors was at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Charles’s memory to: Alzheimer’s Research Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown MA 02472 or www.alz.org/donate or to: The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, West 6th Floor, Brookline MA 02445 or www.jimmyfund.org. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
