Donald L. (Doc) Duratz
Donald L. (Doc) Duratz, 80, of Grindstone, died peacefully in the Uniontown Hospital on Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2009. He was born on February 5, 1929 in Grindstone the son of the late Dominik and Vera Addis Duratz.
“Doc” graduated from Redstone High School in 1947. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class with the B-1-5 Baker Bandits in the Korean War from 1951-1952. He retired from the USS Mining Filbert Shop as a welder. “Doc” was a member of the VFW Post 47 in Uniontown, the American Legion Post 275 in Grindstone, the AmVets General Marshall Post 103 in Hopwood, the Grindstone Fireman’s Department, St Cecilia’s R.C. Church where he served as an usher and also on the Holy Name and St. Vincent De Paul Societies.
He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Sophia
(DellaPenna) Duratz and his sister Betty Duratz of Grindstone. In addition, he was the loving Uncle of Carla, Carl, Amy, Nettie, Vince and Pam DellaPenna, and the great uncle of Katie, Carl, Jr., Christina, Anthony Donald and Caleb DellaPenna. Known as “Uncle Doc” to his family and friends he is also survived by several brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received in the NOVAK FUNERAL HOME 515 Front Street, Brownsville, PA, today, April 15, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A Prayer Service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Cecilia R.C. Church at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Fathers Vincent Gigliotti, James Petrosky and John Sedlak concelebrating.
A Parish Wake Service will be held in the Funeral Home today at 2:30 p.m.
Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA.
Military Rites will be accorded by the United States Marine Corp and American Legion Posts 940, 838, 275 and 295.
Memorial Donations can be made in Doc’s name to St. Cecilia R.C. Church, Grindstone, PA 15442.
To sign the on line guest book or to record a personal condolence, please log on to www.novakfuneralhome.net