Richard Charles Durborow

Richard Charles Durborow, 96, of Camp Hill, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born in Falmouth, Lancaster County, on August 4, 1927, to the late Charles Durborow and Dorothy Curran.

Richard, or “Doot,” as he was affectionately known, was a 1945 graduate of William Penn High School, Harrisburg, and a standout athlete in his youth. He would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, subsequently joining the Reserves. He gained employment with the U.S Government at the former New Cumberland Army Depot and then the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot, retiring after 37 years as a property disposal officer.

He would meet his wife, Jeanne, when she was 19 and he was 21, while she was working at her father’s popcorn and nut shop beside the Uptown Theatre in Harrisburg. The two would marry and raise a family, and they would attend Shiremanstown Church of God the entire way through (where they’ve proudly held the title of oldest congregants). He was a terrific father, and arguably, an even more amazing grandfather. He was a big supporter of his family, rarely missing a sporting event or the important moments in their lives. Family picnics in the backyard were a big deal, happening five times a year and consisting of a mix of wiffleball, football and croquet—and of course the biggest watermelon.

Doot was a little league baseball coach when his kids were young, and he seemingly found a way to get along with everyone he encountered. He was honored by Cumberland County for never missing an opportunity to vote in all his years, and he would remain very close with three of his classmates all his life—they had been known as the “Big 4” ever since high school. Richard was patient and consistently set a good example for those around him. In recent years, he enjoyed watching westerns, spending time with his wife, and watching his family grow.

Surviving Richard is his wife of 74 years, Jeanne (Donbaugh) Durborow; daughter, Patricia Blaine (Jeffrey) of Selinsgrove; son, Richard Durborow of Palmyra; grandchildren, Kelli Shaffer of Selinsgrove, Ken Shaffer (Cathy) of Harrisburg, Karri Curley (Billy) of Hummelstown, and Scott Durborow of Mechanicsburg; great-grandchildren, Kristen (Chris), Kallie, Kaylynne, Kennen, and Kaden; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Progress Church of God, 3424 Old Orchard Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109, with a visitation taking place from 1:30PM until services begin in the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Laurel Cemetery, Harrisburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Richard’s name to his church: Shiremanstown Church of God, 35 South Locust Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011.