Walter Joseph Durand

DURAND Walter Joseph Durand, age 55, of Trumbull, beloved husband of Kathleen Exnicios Durand, and cherished father of Walter III, David, Casey, Megan and Sean Durand, died at home on February 10, 2009. Born on March 29, 1953, he was the son of the late Walter and Letitia Durand of Stamford, where he was born and raised. Walt is also survived by his brother, Bill Durand and his wife, Susan Moon; his father-in-law, Bob (Marge) Exnicios, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Eileen Durand, Joan (Allan) Cameron, Jim (Meredith) Exnicios, Carol (Jim) Gosart, Terry (Jim) Cottrell, Tom (Jill) Exnicios, Patrice (Bill) Milec, Robin (Bill) Ball and Christine (Dave) Hindman. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Stephen Durand, his sister-in-law, Sue Durand and his mother-in-law, Claire Murray Exnicios. Walt attended St. Cecelia's, Stamford Catholic, the University of Connecticut (BA) and Southern Connecticut State University (MS). He influenced the lives of many students during his teaching career at Saint Thomas the Apostle, and as an AP Biology teacher at Stamford Catholic and Darien High Schools. He played basketball for Catholic High School for all four years, 1968 to 71, and the University of Connecticut powerhouse Stamford branch, 1971 to 73. He later also coached that branch team for several years during the late 70s, as well as his children's teams. An avid runner, he completed the Stamford Marathon, despite being fueled only by decaf coffee. With his brother he made a cross-country motorcycle trip of epic proportions in '76 on his Triumph Trident 750. He had a great love of the outdoors, and could often be found ambling with his family and philosophizing, watching for good omens. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 200 Shelton Rd., Trumbull on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Durand Education Fund with checks made payable to American Funds 529 and sent to the Durand Family in care of the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.