Richard Durham

Mr. Richard “Bud” Erling Durham, 87, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:30pm, on Thursday October 31, 2024 at St. James “the Greater” Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:30pm prior to the service. Bud will be buried alongside his wife at Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington, DE.

Bud was born on January 9, 1937, in Wilmington, DE, to the late Theresa Marie Smith Durham and Erling Levi Durham. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet May Heffner Durham, and his brother, Michael Edward Durham.

An alumnus of Niagara University, Bud held both undergraduate and graduate degrees in English. He began his career as a Catholic priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, where he served devotedly for ten years. Afterward, he transitioned into the family business in home construction, where he worked alongside his father and brother, building homes and memories alike. Known for his skill with tools and technology, Bud was always ready to fix or build something new and had a talent for working with computers.

Bud’s greatest joy came from being involved in the lives of his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he helped raise and cherished deeply.

He is survived by his sisters, Theresa Vaccarino of Harrisburg, and Patricia Ostapchenko and husband, George, of Salem, SC; his stepdaughter, Darene Burke of Middletown, DE; sister-in-law, Jane Durham of Harriburg; 3 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bud will be fondly remembered for his gentle spirit, devotion to family, and willingness to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.