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ANDOVER — Stephen F. D'Urso, 76, of Andover, died on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, after a short illness, with his beloved family by his side. He was the son of the late Frederick Stephen D'Urso and Emma (Borrelli) D'Urso.
After employment during his early career as an engineer by major national firms, Mr. D'Urso was employed as a Marketing Executive for Ballard Materials Products, Inc. of Lowell. In addition, he was the founder and principal of several successful businesses during his career. At the time of his death, in addition to his employment with Ballard, he was Chief Executive Officer of D'Urso & Company, of Andover, a successful international company engaged in the business of importing textile and specialty products.
Mr. D'Urso received a Bachelor of Science degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts and a Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mr. D'Urso was active in the Italian-American community of Lawrence and a faithful member of the Italian-American Civic Association of Lawrence. He was also formerly a member of the Algonquin Club of Boston. In addition, "Big Steve," or "the King, "as he was called by his children and friends, was influential in the lives of many of the contemporaries of his children. He was viewed as a surrogate father to many of them. Although he remained close to his roots, Mr. D'Urso was fluent in three languages, was a world traveler, a wine enthusiast, an avid sports fan and historian. Most of all, "Big Steve" enjoyed the company of family and friends in all that he did.
Mr. D'Urso is survived by his wife, Kay (Mahoney) D'Urso; and by three sons, Frederick J, D'Urso and his wife Virgina of Haverhill, Sean E. D'Urso and his wife Johnna of Andover, and Stephen F. D'Urso III of Andover; daughter, Jodi E. D'Urso and her husband Peter of Andover. He is survived by six grandchildren, Stephen F. IV, Sean K., Maria D., Vincenzo W. D'Urso of Haverhill and Taylor J., and Aidan M. D'Urso of Andover. Mr. D'Urso also leaves behind a loving Aunt Delia Borrelli, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends may call on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. in the Holy Rosary Church, Lawrence. Burial will follow in the Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 313 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458, Melmark of New England, 461 River Road, Andover, MA 01810, or Ironstone Farms, 456 Lowell St., Andover, MA 01810. For directions and online condolences please visit our website at www.cataudellafh.com.
