Walter Harold Durant

Walter Harold Durant, 89, passed away peacefully September 25th, 2023 at home in Falmouth, MA.

Wally was born 02/14/1934, in Manhattan, NY. He grew up in New Bedford, MA and later moved to the Boston area before settling in Falmouth in 1969.

He was a talented Jazz pianist, begining his music career in a band at age 12, later performing at clubs & venues in different parts of the country. His favorite venue was a year-long gig in Bermuda where he once accompanied Dionne Warwick, among other great artists. He also accompanied Liza Minnelli for 3 nights at the Seacrest Resort in Falmouth, MA where he played nightly for 30 years, and where he also performed for Ronald Reagan & George HW Bush. He also had a jazz trio that performed at The Nimrod for over 20 years.

In the 1970s, he was involved in local theater playing piano, building sets and directing musical productions for Falmouth Theater Guild. "Music Man" & "Anything Goes" are among some of his credits.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marie L Parker & Wilfred H Durant, step-son, Lawrence Vigliotti, and grandson, Christopher Swindell.

He is survived by his 2 daughters: Karen Swindell (husband David, and grandchildren Jennifer & Brian); Janna Andrews (husband Scott, and granddaughter Natalie); 2 sons: Stephen Durant (grandchildren Lauren & Jonathan); Scott Durant (wife Essie); 3 step-sons: Robert, David & Paul Vigliotti.

He also leaves behind 12 step-grandchildren, 25 great-grands, many nieces & nephews by marriage, and a special friend of many years, Sandra Lynch, whom he loved dearly.

Wally was a generous and kind-hearted person, always eager to help others. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony's Church, East Falmouth, MA on Thursday, October 19th @ 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.