Paul Edward Durbin Sr.

Paul Edward Durbin, Sr., 80, of North Canton, died peacefully Saturday morning in Mercy Medical Center following a brief illness. Born December 26, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was one of four children born to the late William and Hallie Patterson Durbin. When the United States entered World War II, Mr. Durbin was already fighting for the Allies as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. After Pearl Harbor, he returned to the United States and joined the Air Force, serving in both Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Mr. Durbin never lost his passion for flight, remaining involved in numerous organizations promoting aviation including the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, and the MAPS Air Museum at Akron-Canton Regional Airport, and served as the district commander of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association of America. Mr. Durbin was also a member of the American Legion Post 44 of Canton, and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Akron. He leaves behind his wife of fifty-one years, Katherine Ponderendolph Durbin, whom he married May 3, 1952. Together, they recommitted their marriage on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary, May 2, 1992. Survivors also include three daughters, Mary Lynn Zaksek of Iowa, Mary Katherine Durbin of North Canton, and Paula (Andy) Fraga of Palm Springs, CA; a son Paul Durbin Jr. of New Philadelphia; grandchildren Andy Fraga Jr., and Christopher Zaksek; and one great-grandchild, Blake Zaksek. In addition to his parents, Mr. Durbin was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, Jo Ann Durbin, and Amanda Marie and Jonathan Paul Durbin; three sisters, Babe, Jean and Marian; and one brother, Robert. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia. A family graveside service led by Father Paul Schindler will be held Friday, July 25, 2003, at 11 A.M. in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia where military honors will be rendered. There are no calling hours. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hot Meals program at St. Bernard’s Church, 44 University Avenue, Akron, OH 44308.