MOHAWK-Walter John Dury, age 88, of Walnut Street, passed away on Thursday afternoon, May 2, 2013, in Folts Homes Herkimer with his loving family at his side. He was born on February 7, 1925, in Mohawk, son of the late P. John and Dorothy Bass Dury. A lifelong area resident he felt it was his duty to leave school to serve his country in World War II. He later received his diploma from Mohawk Central School. Walter enlisted in the US Navy Armed Guard and proudly served aboard the SS Charles Carroll, the SS Wilson P. Hunt, the SS James M. Wayne, the SS Charles Tufts and the SS Sheldon Clark. He was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, European Theater, African and Middle Eastern Theater medalsm a one star Victory medal and a good conduct medal. Walter was honorably discharged on January 24, 1946, attaining the rank of Seaman First Class. He was united in marriage on May 29, 1948, with the former M. Janette Mosher in the First United Methodist Church in Herkimer, with the Reverend Fred Cotnam officiating. In 1955 they made their permanent home in Mohawk. Walter worked as a Typographer for the Utica Observer Dispatch for over 30 years. After his retirement from the Utica OD, he was employed as a Resident Assistant at Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, until his retirement at the age of 80. Walter loved his job at the Nursing Home and made many friends there, among the residents and staff Walter was a member of the Ziyara Shrine Temple. He enjoyed entertaining children as one of the Shriner Zanies. He was a familiar figure as Phoo-Phoo the clown in many local parades, still riding his bicycle at the age of 80. Walter was also a member of the Transportation Unit of the Shriners. He sponsored many ill or disabled children in need of medical care to the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Mass. He enjoyed working with young people and was formerly active in the Fishing Derby, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Sea Scouts. Walter was a devoted family man and took great pride in teaching his children the many skills of camping, hiking, swimming and to appreciate and preserve the beauty of nature. He was a gifted whittler and participated in many craft shows over the years. He had a true sense of community and was always willing to help others. He will be greatly missed. Surviving him are his loving wife of almost 65 years, Janette, one daughter Deborah DeRusso and her husband Eugene of East Herkimer, one son Bradford Dury and his companion Suzie Clark of Ilion, a sister Gloria Dury of East Herkimer, a sister-in-law Hilda Mosher of Herkimer, a brother-in-law Ralph Wollaber of Herkimer and his cherished granddaughter and light of his life, Sarah Lassiter of Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Edna Edick and her husband Frederick Edick. He also leaves several cousins and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Walters life will be held on Saturday May 18th at 2:00 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Calling hours will be from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. (one hour prior to the service.) The Reverend Ann Wicks will officiate. Interment will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Alzheimers Association of Central New York, 441 West Kirpatrick Street; Syracuse, NY 13204. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the 2nd floor staff of Folts Home for the care he received there and a special thank you to Ginger Clive, ANP for the wonderful care and compassion she extended to Walter and his family.