Robert Louis Aprile, died Friday, May 16, 2014 in Durango, CO, he was 57. The cause of death is undetermined at this time.

Known as "Bob", he was born to Louis and Lorraine Aprile on July 19, 1956 in Queens, NY. Mr. Aprile studied architecture for 2 years at Farmingdale State College.

He went on to spend 30 years developing expertise in program and project management for scientific research and development and the construction management industry. He was granted patents related to advanced applications of the critical path scheduling method and developed a unique "four-dimensional" project management tracking system.

Organizations that benefitted from his knowledge about project management include the National Energy Technology, Fermi National Accelerator and Los Alamos National Laboratories, the North American Emergency Management Institute, and numerous local and regional government and law enforcement agencies.

In 1982, he married Paula Salafia in East Northport, NY. The couple had three children together before the marriage ended in divorce.

He had lived in the Durango area since 2002, and had visited the area since the 1980's.

"Bob was also an artist who inspired us with his creative drive and energy," according to his family. He channeled his artistic energies into design, clay, and mixed-media sculpture, wood carving, rock gardens, landscaping and art collection. He loved the mountains, rivers and oceans, and spent many happy days skiing, floating and hiking in the great outdoors.

Mr. Aprile is survived by his children, Jennifer Aprile, Louis Aprile and Joseph Aprile, all of Red Oak, TX; parents, Louis and Lorraine Aprile of Vero Beach, FL; siblings, Sue Aprile Forlenza of Baiting Hollow, NY, Joy Caffrey of Fayetteville, AK, Jeannie Aprile Rubin of Fort Pierce, FL, and Louise Aprile; 8 nieces and four nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM, Friday, June 13, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com