The Temple University community would like to extend its condolences to the family of Richard M. Duris, who passed away on 04/16/2008.
Richard M. Duris, retired music librarian, choir director, and longtime resident of Ambler, died April 16, 2008 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 77 years old.
He was born in North Braddock, Pennsylvania to Anna and Steve Duris. His passion for learning took hold early and remained with him his entire life. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and two graduate degrees, an MS in library science from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in musicology from Carnegie-Mellon University. Later he was a familiar figure at MONTCO and other adult school classrooms, studying history, art, geography, foreign languages and biology.
A dedicated patron of the arts and a member of the Music Library Association, he was a music librarian at Temple University for twenty-nine years until his retirement in 1998. He also carried on a second career as a professional organist and choirmaster, playing for churches in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Columbus, Ohio.
He and his family settled in Ambler in 1975. A member of the American Guild of Organists, he was organist and choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Flourtown for thirteen years. Upon his retirement, he joined the Zion choir, which he participated in until his death. He had also been a member of the Ambler Singers and Upper Dublin Choristers.
An avid reader, he tutored reading at Madison Avenue Elementary School in Ambler, Marshall Street Elementary School in Norristown and Graterford Prison. He was also an enthusiastic member of several book clubs.
In addition to music and books, he had a keen interest in politics, campaigning for numerous candidates and making his voice heard on many issues. He was also a member of the League of Women Voters.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Jacqueline Duris; his daughter, Elizabeth Duris; three nieces, Cynthia Hartman, Adrienne Duris, and Suzanne McMurdy, as well as a nephew, Michael Duris.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions for a scholarship be sent to the Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, Attn: Tara Webb Duey, 1938 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia PA 19122. Please specify that gifts are in memory of Richard M. Duris. Memorial contributions may also be sent to Zion Lutheran Church.
