Dennis G. Durst

Dennis G. Durst (Denny), of Pittsburgh, passed away on June 15th at the age of 75 from pulmonary fibrosis. He is survived by his wife, Donna Farling, daughter and son-in-law, Bethany and Josh Brown, two grandsons, Malcolm and Jameson Brown, sister, Donna Wyeth (Tom), and many nieces and nephews. Denny is preceded in death by his beloved wife Paulette (d. 2018), parents, George and Helen, and his brother, George (Gerry).

Denny grew up in Pittsburgh, later moving through New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, before returning to Pittsburgh. Because of this, and as a result of his outgoing, lively personality, Denny leaves behind deep friendships and many memorable stories with good friends all over the east coast.

After graduating from Bishop Canevin (‘66), he met Paulette at Tennessee Wesleyan and then spent several years teaching and coaching basketball before beginning a long career with Pitney Bowes. His many successful years in sales, management, and training produced some of his best and longest friendships.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and frequent traveler who enjoyed the beach, fine restaurants, and taking up skilled projects around the house. After his retirement, he built a model train display that filled his entire basement in Peachtree City and regularly drew visitors from all over Georgia—though his favorite two guest conductors were Malcolm and Jameson.

Denny always had a joke and a plan (and sometimes a magic trick), which is an excellent combo for (almost) any situation. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan, and made a point to find the local Steelers bar whenever he moved to a new city. Aside from his family and friends, his favorite companions were the various well-trained yet quirky Golden Retrievers he had throughout his life.

He and Paulette were married for 46 years and loved spending time in the warm weather and great beaches in the south. After Paulette’s death, Denny returned to Pittsburgh to be near his family, at which point he met Donna Farling—the two having unknowingly attended school at Bishop Canevin together—they instantly connected and quickly developed a deep and fun-loving relationship. They were married in November of 2021.

All who loved Denny will miss his sense of humor, generosity, and sharp mind, as well as his deep love for friends and family. A time of reception at 3pm with memorial service to follow at 4pm is planned for July 1st, at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA (4001 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15213). In lieu of flowers, we ask that you follow Denny’s favorite piece of advice: “Always be a nice person!”

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