Anthony M. “Tony” Durban II, 95, passed away at the Masonic Village at Sewickley on Tuesday.

He was born Feb. 17, 1917, in Pittsburgh.

As a youngster, Tony played the guitar for various bands, including one year with Herb Fritschie's stage band. Then he played at various clubs with small groups that included Eroll Garner as pianist. His first daytime job was with the Joseph Horne Department Store.

Tony left to serve four years in the U.S. Army Air Force with his last year serving time in Okinawa. He returned to Horne's and met and married Violet Hopson who worked in the same decorating department. After a few moves, they formed their own decorating company and did work for many Pittsburgh decorating firms. After selling the business, Tony worked for Armstrong Store Fixtures.

In 1979, Tony and Violet moved to Florida and continued to work for Armstrong until retirement.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Violet (Hopson) Durban.

He is survived by one son, James (Joanne); five grandsons, Anthony III (Denise), Mark, Gregory (Beth), James (Amber) and Jeffrey (Nicci). He also is survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Tony was a member of the North Hills Masonic Lodge, the Tampa Shrine, the Dunedin Elks, the Clearwater American Legion, the VFW and the AMVETS.

<B>DURBAN</B> — Friends of Anthony M. “Tony” Durban II, who passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2012, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the <B>T.B. Devlin Funeral Home</B>, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. The services and interment will follow in Clearwater, Fla.