Durso

Edward J. (Eddie) Musician and Author, passed away at Regina Nursing Center in Norristown of Parkinson’s Disease on May 17, 2007 at the age of 89. He was born in South Philadelphia and lived in Roxborough. Eddie was the beloved husband of the late Irene (nee Tkaczuk), devoted father of Frank (Carol Ann), John (Eileen), Carol Ann (Jeffrey) Foley, Edward Jr. (Donna), grandfather of nine, Jerry and Jude Dyer, John, Anthony and Julie Durso, Michael and Stephanie Durso, Kathleen and Lisa Durso and great-grandfather of three Kayla, Isabella and Ryan Dyer. In his youth Eddie was a semi-professional boxer in his youth and a musician. During WWII he was a percussionist and toured with many Army and Air Force orchestras. After the war he became a local bandleader and was member of the Philadelphia , Norristown and Atlantic City Musicians Union. For many years he was a drummer with the Verdi Band of Norristown. He was also a retired Probation and Parole Officer for the City of Philadelphia and a member of the Sons of Italy.  As a teenager Eddie was the closest friend of Freddy Cocozza who later became the RCA / MGM star tenor Mario Lanza and remained his friend until Lanza’s death.  Eddie published his book “My Memories of Mario Lanza” in 1992 for the fan clubs of Mario Lanza around the world. On Monday evening relatives and friends will be received at 7PM- 9PM and Tuesday 8:30 AM for his viewing at the Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 425 Lyceum Ave. Phila. , PA 19128 . Mass of Christian Burial will be held  am on Tuesday 10am at St Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. Internment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery , 4001 West Cheltenham Ave. , Philadelphia , PA 19118-0452 in Cheltenham . Memorial Donations in Eddie’s name would be greatly appreciated to: The Mario Lanza Institute, 712 Montrose St. , Phila. , PA 19147 or The British Mario Lanza Educational Foundation 7 Cozens Lane West, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 6QG United Kingdom for a scholarship to aspiring operatic singers.