Marlborough – Francis Durand, 75 of Marlborough, died suddenly Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
Born in Marlborough, Francis was the son of the late Raymond (Red) and Jeanette (Wheeler) Durand, and the devoted husband of the late Rita (Powell) Durand, who died in 2009. Fran and Rita had been married for 49 years at the time of her death.
He was the dear father of Paula Durand and her husband Ben Eaton of Milford, NH, and his much loved son, Mark Durand of Berlin. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Kate Walker of Marion; his grandson, Andy Walker and his wife Kelli of New Market, NH; his brother, Harry Durand and his sister-in-law Sue of Arlington, VT; his brother, Ray Durand of Apoka FL; his brother-in-law, Jim Durand of Marlborough; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Phyllis Letendre, Donald Durand, and Roy Durand.
Fran was a graduate of Marlborough High School. For 36 years, he was employed by the Marlborough Post Office as a letter carrier, retiring in 1999.
He was a former Vice-President and Shop Steward of the old branch #6 Marlborough Letter Carriers’ Union. He also served his country as an Army Specialist-5 Wire Chief, Paratrooper, and Jumpmaster with the 82ND Airborne Division.
He was a former coach and manager with the Marlborough Youth and Junior Baseball Leagues. A member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Marlborough, he served as an Extraordinary Minister. He had been a longtime member of the former St. Mary's Parish, Marlborough, was active on many parish projects, and served on various committees. He loved to travel, having visited all but five U.S. states. He enjoyed watching the boats sail down the Bass River, sitting at the ocean, and people-watching at Smugglers’ Beach, Cape Cod, and had wonderful times with his friends on the monthly bus trips to Foxwoods.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9 to 11:15 a.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral mass will follow at 12 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery on Beach Street in Marlborough.