LISBON FALLS — Andrew D. Durisko, a longtime local businessman in the Lisbon community, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, Dec. 30, at the age of 86.

He was born in Tuxedo, N.Y. April 9, 1925, a son of Michael and Anna Sovak Durisko. He was educated in New York schools, having graduated from George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo, and had been a resident of this community for many, many years.

He was a military veteran, having served his country in both the U.S. Navy and Army as a radioman in the South Pacific, Philippines and China during World War II. He also served on destroyer escort ships during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in May 1954. Following World War II, he also studied for two years at Packard Junior College.

On Sept. 6, 1948, he married the former Lorraine E. Livernois, and together they settled in Lisbon Falls to raise their family. Over the next few decades, he and his wife owned and operated several businesses in Lisbon Falls, including Town Cleaners, Coin-O-Matic Laundromat and the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store. He later started and operated Durisko Real Estate for a number of years, until his retirement.

At the top of his most treasured loves and enjoyments were the many quality times spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His first and constant concern was always for his wife and her needs.

He loved sports and was a lifelong avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. Andy was an avid golfer and longtime member at Apple Valley and was the last remaining golfer to come over from Prospect Hill Golf Course to Apple Valley many years ago. He also greatly enjoyed his John Deere mower and and drew great pleasure from tending to and maintaining his property into his later years with his favorite John Deere.

He enjoyed candlepin bowling, playing horseshoes, his daily walks, taking two or three trips to Foxwoods Resort Casino each year and dining out, especially Chinese cuisine. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He always started enjoying the season early and had such fun asking everyone, “Want to open a present?!” way before Christmas.

He served on the parish council and as a lector for many years at the former Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish and was a member of the Slovak Catholic Association and the VFW Raymond J. Lavigne Post No. 9459 in Lisbon. He also was a volunteer driver for the various veterans services at Togus and enjoyed his time spent with his fellow veterans. His community involvement included serving eight years on the Advisory Board for the town of Lisbon and 27 years on the Credit Committee of Lisbon Community Federal Credit Union.

Andy was a faithful man as well as a happy and very compassionate man, and his faith and belief in God were important to him. He was also a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed by family and friends.

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Durisko of Lisbon Falls; his children, Matt Durisko and wife, Sheila, of Lisbon Falls, Mark Durisko and wife, Pamela, of Durham and Marie Webb and husband, Ron, of Pittston; seven grandchildren, Karen Morse and husband, Walter, Matthew Durisko and wife, Jody, Josh Webb and wife, Wendy, Luke Durisko, Marcea Crawford and husband, Kris, Melissa Ambrose and husband, Ivan, and Zachary Durisko; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Michael J. Durisko; and a sister, Jane Moshier.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Durisko family by visiting their guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.