Photo courtesy of Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Age 71
William D. Durand (Bill), 71, a lifelong resident of Pawtucket until retiring to Florida in 2016, passed away peacefully July 15, 2021, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Jeanne (Briere) Durand. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Francis Z. and the late Jeannette (St. Pierre) Durand.
Bill was a musician and graduate of Rhode Island College with a BS in Music Education 1972 and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology 1977. He taught music for nine years at Cumberland Middle School.
He was elected five times to the Rhode Island House of Representatives (1976-1985) and started a new career in the cable television industry in 1981 at RI Cable TV/Times Mirror managing the studios and advertising sales department.
Bill graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1983. In 1985 he joined the New England Cable & Telecommunication Association (NECTA) as Legal Counsel for 31 years retiring as Executive Vice President & Chief Counsel in 2016. He and his wife moved to Florida spending summers and holidays with family in Rhode Island.
He taught Business Law and Legal Environment of Business at Providence College for 22 years.
Bill loved music, sailing, golf and his three pets, Mugsy, Maggie Mae, and Daisy Mae. He was a former member of the Bristol Yacht Club and a former member of Pawtucket Country Club.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his beloved son, Brian Durand (Laurie) and beloved daughter Jennifer (Durand) Sousa (Jason), five grandchildren, Madison, Violette, Maxwell Durand, Jacob and Elleana Sousa, many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of Paul R. Durand (Paula), Douglas N. Durand (Elizabeth), Nancy (Durand) McAllister (James), Lynne (Durand) Clay (Robert), the late Emma Durand, the late Susan Ritchotte (Ed) and the late Stephen Durand (Loretta).
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, July 22nd at 10 AM in Saint Cecilia Church, 755 Central Avenue, Pawtucket. The burial will be private. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-7 PM in the Costigan-O’Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal shelter, Hope Hospice, or a charity of your choice in memory of William would be deeply appreciated.
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Hard to believe that it has been a year since Bill has passed away. I think of him every day. He was such a positive influence in my life. I can only imagine how many people whose lives he touched are better off today for having known him. Rest in eternal peace, Bill.
Bob Fontaine
July 13, 2022
Mr Durand changed my life in middle school , and then of course handed me off to Nectar Lennox who continued the transformation . I don't know if I ever would have had the courage to perform if not for him . God Speed DJD
Daniel Durand
September 20, 2021
my deepest condolences to your family on the passing of Billy - we were both in the band in high school (west high) /playing trumpet and of course i remember the whole family living on west ave pawtucket - God Bless him on his new journey - he was a very kind and caring person to me when we were together as band mates -
john r filleau
August 20, 2021
Dear Durand Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Durand.
Mr. Durand was my music teacher at Cumberland Middle School from 1979 - 1981. To say that his class was an all time favorite is an understatement. Mr. Durand was a fabulous teacher and made school fun! We all looked forward to his class. I think many of us must have driven him nuts with our juvenile antics!
Although more than 40 years have passed, I have often thought about Mr. Durand and...
Deborah (Girouard) Lavallee
July 27, 2021 | Cumberland, RI | Student
Dear Jeanne, We are truly sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man who will be missed by all. May your memories comfort you always and time ease your sorrow. With sincere sympathy, Thea and Mel Mancini
Thea and Mel Mancini
July 22, 2021
Bill Durand left us all too soon. He was a remarkable friend and neighbor to us in Punta Gorda, Florida. We were so lucky to meet Bill and Jeanne. They were a beautiful couple who complemented each other's strengths. Bill was always there for us whenever we had a need for assistance. He was so intelligent and gifted. He always found a solution to our internet issues and his sense of humor was like no other. He entertained us with his conversation. My husband, Bob, adored him like a...
Kay Boxer
July 22, 2021 | Punta Gorda, FL | Neighbor
I had the pleasure of working with Bill in the cable industry for 12 years. He was a sincere, honest, friendly, capable, intelligent and hard working gentleman. Frankly , I can't list enough positive attributes when commenting on Bill. He was a very special individual, the kind that you don't come across often in the professional arena. He will be missed and I extend my sincere condolences to his entire family.
Eric A. Palazzo
July 22, 2021 | Work
I´m simply heartbroken to hear of Bill´s passing. You was truly one of a kind. The world is a lesser place without him. My deepest condolences to his family.
John Barr
July 21, 2021
Bill brought much happiness to so many people. He will be greatly missed
Michael & Lillian Bertrand
July 21, 2021 | Forest Hills, NY | Friend
