Obituary of William P. Durning

William P. Durning of Hopatcong, NJ passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at St. Clare's Hospital Dover Campus surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years old. William was born on August 14, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pa. to the late Peter F. and the late Catherine (Healy) Durning.

Mr. Durning was a college professor at the Mesa State College UTEC in Western Colorado for many years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran. Bill enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fishing, gardening and building things with his hands, particularly wood work. He resided in Fruita, Colorado before moving to Hopatcong, NJ 13 years ago, after previously living in Los Angeles and running a cattle ranch in Collbran, CO after moving from Philadelphia.

Bill stated many times that he saw and did everything he wanted to in his lifetime. He rode his motorcycle from coast to coast; both north and south, numerous times, had many careers and extensive knowledge of all of them. He was extremely proud of his family, his many dear friends, and his service to the country that he loved. His stories and tales are legendary, and will live on in all that knew and loved him.

In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling throughout the country visiting the many family and friends that he loved.

Bill is survived by his children, Bridgette Fulmer (Chuck), William (Duke) P. Durning II (Desiree) and Marilyn Durning (Lorna), and his step-children; James Goodwin (Cynthia), Virginia Ansbaugh (Tom), Belinda Graham (David) and John-Henry Goodwin. Additional survivors include his cherished grandchildren; Stephanie, Heather, Carrie, Billy III, Brandy, Kurtis, Ashley, James, Kyle, Tabatha, Brittany, and Alyssa, his great-grandchildren; Paige, Braylee, McKinley, Mavis, Aidyn, Emery, and Maggie. Billy is also survived by his siblings, Frank, Canon Michael, Cathy, Kenny, and Andrew, and his many nieces and nephews.  As well as many close friends including the nearest and dearest to his heart and family, Ginny Fox (John).

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Marilyn Ann Durning in 1980 and his longtime companion, Catherine Goodwin in 2005 and his step-son William Warren Goodwin.

Bill's Life Celebration Services will include a Memorial Service to be announced by the family in the future. All services were entrusted to the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home of Landing, NJ. For memorial donations, please consider

Patriotguard.org or Woundedwarrierproject.org