Former Longtime Wilmington Resident, 66, Loses Battle With Cancer

The following is an obituary courtesy of Nichols Funeral Home.

Robert A. Durost, “Bob,” “Scooby,” age 66, of Billerica, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington passed away on June 28, 2014 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born on August 30, 1947 in Hartland, Maine; he was the cherished son of Kathleen D. “Kay” Durost and the late Alton L. “Curly” Durost.  Bob grew up in Detroit, ME until he and his family relocated to Wilmington in 1959.  Bob was a graduate of Wilmington High School.

Bob enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1968 in Billerica, MA; he was a combat Veteran who courageously served his tour in Vietnam. Bob proudly served his country and was honorably discharged on June 20, 1970 at Fort Lewis, WA, returning to his family in Wilmington.  Bob continued his duties with the Army Reserves until November 13, 1974.

Following his discharge from the Army, Bob went on to further his education earning a  degree in Business.  Bob was known to have a great work ethic and it was no surprise that he started his own trucking business, “Durost Trucking”.  Bob was a very dedicated owner and operator who travelled thousands of miles across country in his trucks.  Bob also enjoyed visiting many places along the way and with a friendly personality he also befriended many people across the country.  After more than 40 years of hard work, Bob finally retired.  In his spare time, Bob had a passion for antique cars, motorcycles and guns.

Bob’s family was the most important thing in his life and he appreciated them every day.  Bob never failed to stop every week to bring his wife Roberta home a bouquet of flowers just to show his love for her, it was always the ”little things” that meant the most to him.  Bob was so proud to be a known as “Dad” and “Grampa Scooby” to his six grandchildren.  His continuation of unconditional love and respect for others was returned to him by his beautiful and loving extended family who gave unwavering support throughout his illness.

Bob will be remembered as a genuinely nice guy who had a great sense of humor; he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncles, and a true friend to many.  Bob was a strong individual who faced his illness with grace and courage and fought every step of the way. Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob was the beloved husband of Roberta E. Ferrari, devoted father of Christopher Durost & his wife Erica of Fulton, NY and Heather Robitaille & her husband Kevin of Nashua, NH, loving “Grampa Scooby” of Blake, Zachary, Garrett, Bobby, Chase Durost and Abigail Robitaille, cherished son of Kathleen D. “Kay” Durost of Billerica and the late Alton L. Durost, dear brother of William Durost & his wife Lucille of Tewksbury, Alton Durost, II & his wife Helen of Lyndeborough, NH, Carl Durost & his wife Jeanne of Wilmington and Kathleen Roberge & her husband Daniel of Stark, NH, brother-in-law of Gerald Ferrari, Ronnie Ferrari & his wife Carole, Bernie Ferrari & his wife Paula, Paul Ferrari & his wife Jeanette, Lenny Ferrari & his wife Colleen, Richie Ferrari & his wife Donna and John Ferrari, nephew of Cheryl DuPlessis of Greenville, ME.  Bob is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave, (Rt. 62), Wilmington, for a Funeral Service on Monday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors to follow in Wildwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.