David P. Durst

David P. Durst of West Chester St., Kingston died Sunday, January 30, 2005 at Benedictine Hospital. He was 67. David was born in Michigan on June 4, 1937, a son of the late David and Teresa Phelan Durst. Formerly of Westchester, he graduated from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) degree in 1960. He then moved to Red Hook. David's career at I.B.M., Kingston spanned from 1957 - 1993. He spent his career in both technical and management positions, working on SAGE/SAC II, S360 Model 67, STRETCH, FAA, and others. David was a member of the I.B.M. Quarter Century Club. After retirement from I.B.M., David was a co-founding director of the non-profit Local Economic Opportunities Group. The 'LEO' Group's mission was dedicated to the unemployed and underemployed of Ulster County. With his partner, John Parker, they established Parker-Durst Incorporated, which sold and serviced medical alert systems in Ulster and surrounding counties. He also taught part-time at Ulster BOCES. Surviving are his wife, Kathleen Tiffany-Durst; five daughters Anne Durst of Madison, Wisconsin, SuSu Durst of New York City, Elizabeth Durst of Santa Monica, California, Katherine Durst, Helena, Montana and Ellen Marie Durst of Brazil; two sons David C. Durst of Bulgaria and John Thomas Durst of Kingston; one step son Robert Fesko of New Jersey; one step daughter Christina Ackerman of Charlotte, NC; one brother Dr. John Durst of Wall, NJ; one sister Teresa Ward of New Rochelle; his former wife Elizabeth Durst of Red Hook; 14 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Reposing at Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A vigil/candlelight service will be conducted Wednesday at 8:45 PM at Simpson - Gaus. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Kingston on Thursday at 11:30 AM. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Rhinecliff. Contributions in Dave's memory may be made to the Benedictine Health Foundation, 105 Mary's Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401.