Arthur P. Durlesser, 88, of E. Hazelcroft Avenue, passed away the morning of April 29, 2013 at Jameson Hospital. Born September 28, 1924, in New Castle, he was a son of Paul and Regina Sallmen Durlesser. He is survived by his wife, Louise E. Grove Durlesser, whom he married September 30, 1949. Arthur was a 1942 graduate of New Castle High School and a 1949 graduate of Youngstown State University. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in New Guinea and the Philippines. He then entered the Army Reserves and the National Guard for 21 years as a lieutenant. Arthur retired from Waldman's Meats where he worked as a controller. Prior, he was employed with Carbis Walker and Universal Rundle. After his retirement he was employed with David Sugar Excavating. He was a member of Wayside Emmanual Church, formerly Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where he served as the church organist for over 60 years. Arthur sang for over 50 years with the New Castle Music Club where he participated in The Messiah. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Rev. Dr. James Arthur Durlesser and his wife Joy of Allison Park, PA; one sister, Betty J. Karns of New Castle; and three nieces, Sharon Jacob, Susan Slack and Sallie Hahn. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform a military service at noon, followed immediately by the funeral service. Pastor Randy Crum and Pastor Hope Cummins will be officiating. Burial will be in Castleview Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101, or to Wayside Emmanuel Church, 126 Mitchell Road, New Castle, PA 16105.