David Diaz Duran

1933 - 2018

David Diaz Duran
Dec 29, 1933 - Sept 22, 2018
David Diaz Duran, 84, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2018 at home in Modesto, California. David was born Dec. 29, 1933 and was raised in Prescott, AZ. Encouraged by his brothers, he overcame extreme poverty through education. David earned a B.A. and a Masters Degree from the University of Oregon. He was a "Duck" forever! After college, David moved to Humboldt County, CA. There he raised his three children, Sharon, Angeline, and Felicia, and began his 50+ years career as an educator. He was certainly one of the best Spanish teachers in the world! He facilitated many student learning exchanges with students from Mexico and hosted many students in his home. During his years with No. Humboldt HSD, David served at all levels of administration, including District Superintendent.
In 1991, David relocated to Modesto, where he worked with Stanislaus County Office of Education. At this time, he helped found the Hispanic Youth Leadership Council. Mentoring youth by means of this club was his passion until the end of his life. David was so proud of his Mexican heritage!
David was a very social being. He enjoyed gathering with friends and family--eating, drinking (wine especially), listening to all types of music, visiting, and laughing. Everyone enjoyed his outstanding Mexican cooking! David was an avid reader. He liked watching all sports and, in his younger years, was an accomplished golfer. He was a true learner and really loved traveling to new places and experiencing various cultures. It was important to him to attend every family gathering/reunion possible. He arrived early and usually stayed to clean up!
There are not enough positive words to describe David. The word "gentleman" was invented to describe him. He was intelligent, peaceful, sincere, kind, loving, generous, energetic, and fun-loving. Family was most important to him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Luz, by his "band of brothers" Lou, Champ, and Nick, and by his precious daughter, Felicia.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey, and his immediate family: sister, Josie Taube; daughters, Sharon Gomez(Robert), and Angeline Piotrowski(Michael); grandchildren, Reina Paredes (Juan), Mario Gomez (Courtney), and Dominik and David Piotrowski; great-grandchildren, Diego and Natalia Paredes, and Kalea Gomez; Janni Family in-laws, Scott, Faye, Joyce, Steve, and Charmayne; sister-in-law, Gloria (Sis) Foster. David was beloved and respected by all. He will also be missed by countless cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
Certainly, David is watching from Heaven. . .We will remember and honor him always. . .
A funeral mass will be held for David on Dec. 15, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the St. Francis of Rome Catholic Church in Riverbank. Reception immediately following.
Contributions to the Hispanic Youth Leadership Council would please David.
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