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William Anthony Durbin Jr. Obituary

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William Anthony Durbin Jr.

Fanwood, NJ

March 18, 1949 - May 10, 2022

William Anthony Durbin Jr. Obituary

William (Bill) Anthony Durbin Jr., age 73, of Fanwood, NJ passed away peacefully at home on May 10th, 2022 with his wife of 50 years, Christine, at his side. Bill was born on March 18th in Detroit, MI to Barbara and William Durbin Sr. and was the second of five children (David, Chris, Debbie, and Peggy). He spent his elementary school years in Westport, CT before moving with his family to Pompton Plains, NJ. He graduated from Cranwell Preparatory School, where he played football, baseball, and captained the squash team. He then went to Cornell University, where he graduated with a B.A., before getting his master’s at the University of Michigan. After finishing his master’s, Bill and Christine returned to Pompton Plains, NJ where they started their family (Erik, Scott, and Dana). They then moved to Virginia Beach where Bill worked at the Christian Broadcasting Network as a producer for the 700 Club. After several years working as a journalist, focusing on the intersection of science and religion, Bill returned to school to earn his PhD in Religion from Duke University. Bill went on to earn numerous awards and accolades for his published writings, research, and teachings on the subject of science and religion. His work in this field included being a research associate for the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University and Purdue University in Indianapolis, the director of the Religion and Science Graduate Certificate Program at Washington Theological Union, and a charter member of the Metanexus Institute’s Academic Advisory Board. But above all, Bill was a beloved father and grandfather to his three kids and six grandkids. He was endlessly patient and kindhearted. He embodied thoughtfulness in all his interactions, imparting his humble wisdom, while also instilling in them a love for life, music, (especially the Beatles), and Tar Heels basketball. Bill and Christine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in a gathering with all their kids and grandkids in Chapel Hill. A gathering will be held at Fanwood Memorial Funeral home at 155 South Avenue, Fanwood, NJ 07023 on Saturday, May 14th, 11:15am. Followed by burial at the Hillside Cemetery at 1401 Woodland Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ.

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