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William Durand Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Durand
Sponsored by Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket.
Bob Fontaine
July 13, 2022
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.
Daniel Durand
September 20, 2021
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
john r filleau
August 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 -
Deborah (Girouard) Lavallee
July 27, 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 fondly looked back on my middle school days. RIP Mr. Durand... You were the BEST!
Thea and Mel Mancini
July 22, 2021
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
Kay Boxer
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 brother. They texted every day--mostly about politics. Bill's responses always made us lol. We knew how much he adored his children and grandchildren. We cannot imagine how his family will adjust to this enormous loss in their lives. We will miss this man forever....he was really one of a kind. The best kind.
Eric A. Palazzo
July 22, 2021
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.
John Barr
July 21, 2021
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.
Michael & Lillian Bertrand
July 21, 2021
Bill brought much happiness to so many people. He will be greatly missed
Michael Morrissey
July 21, 2021
We are saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great friend to the entire Morrissey family and we have wonderful memories of the time we spent with him. Bill was one of the good guys.
Kristin (Sanna) Ferruolo
July 21, 2021
I was so sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Durand. He was my music teacher at Highland Avenue Middle School in the early '80s. It's probably not surprising to hear that he was a favorite teacher of mine and my classmates. Mr. Durand had a way of bringing song out of his students, even when we didn't think it was possible. I'm forever thankful for that experience. My deepest condolences go out to all of the Durand family.
Mary Ellen Selmanie Spurr
July 20, 2021
Dear Jeanne and family,
My sincere sympathy for your loss. I hope you may find peace and understanding in each other during the coming weeks and months. Jeanne, the years have not dimmed my memory of your face lighting up when you talked of Bill. I will keep you in my prayers.
Bob & Deb Fisher
July 20, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family. Bill was a wonderful friend and neighbor that we will miss greatly.
Rita Correia
July 20, 2021
My deepest condolences to Jeanne, Brian and Jennifer and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers....Love Rita.
Sandy Buckless
July 20, 2021
Dear Jeanne,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Bill. Very sorry for your loss.
Anthony Scavo
July 20, 2021
We have had the privilege to meet and get acquainted with Bill while spending our time at Vivante’s . He was always open and ready to converse about any or all subjects . I have been blessed with the memory of those times and the realization of his humility . We will miss his presence sitting at the table by the poolside but find comfort knowing he is now sitting at a higher table .Our most sincerest condolences to Jeanne and family at this difficult time .Love and sympathy , Tony and Dottie Scavo
Bob Fontaine
July 20, 2021
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was a long time friend who had immeasurable influence in my life. Very kind and generous and blessed with a unique sense of humor. Bill had an innate ability to make everyone around him feel important and needed. He will be sorely missed by very many people whose life he inspired. My sincerest condolences to Jeanne, Brian, Jennifer, and the entire Durand family.
Leo & Paulette (Labbe) Leroux
July 20, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this most difficult time.
Michael Penn
July 20, 2021
Jeanne and Family -
I offer my deepest sympathy to you on Billy's passing. May your memories of him provide you a measure of comfort; he was a wonderful man who came from a wonderful family and created his own wonderful family in turn. RIP Billy
Elaine Newsham
July 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss Jeanne, sending prayers to you and your family.
Mary Nicholson
July 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Jeanne. Sending prayers and love for you and your family. Mary Nicholson
Denny Roberts
July 19, 2021
Judi and I were deeply saddened to hear of our dear friend Bill’s passing. Bill and Jeanne were among our best friends at Vivante and we enjoyed many enjoyable dinners in Punta Gorda’s fine restaurants. Bill and I often were golf partners with Vivante friends. We enjoyed the golf and our time afterwards at Gators. We send our deepest condolences to Jeanne and family.
Denny and Judi
Carol Bedford
July 19, 2021
My thought are with you at this difficult time,, sending condolences to Jeannie and the family,,, may he RIP
Jim Babchak
July 19, 2021
I am extremely saddened to hear of Bill's passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I am part of A&E Television Networks, and I met Bill over 25 years ago at the NECTA events. There was no kinder, gentler, nicer, more outgoing and qualified executive than Bill. I had the pleasure of working on both the Summer and Winter NECTA planning committees for almost twenty years with Bill and he pulled off each amazing event with grace & dignity, style and humor. He was the consummate professional and the perfect representative for our Industry to Government. He was a joy to visit with and uplifted all of us who had the good fortune of working with him. From golf in Newport to fun in the snow in NH, we had a lot of great times together. I know I speak for the entire television community, who are heartbroken with his passing, and we all send our prayers and big hugs to his family. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by our Industry and each of us individually. God Speed Bill.
Ric & Dee Campbell
July 19, 2021
We were sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Although we were just getting to know each other, we were planning to building on our friendship when we got back to Vivante in the Fall.
Sandy and Dan Artman
July 19, 2021
Dear Jeanne and family,
We were very shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s death. He was such a kind man. He knew how introverted Dan was and went out of his way to invite him to lunch and always chat with him. He really made us feel welcome at Vivante. We will miss his smiling face. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sandy and Dan
Russ Stephens
July 19, 2021
Bill was a colleague but more importantly a true friend for almost 40 years. His kind heart and sharp wit will be sorely missed. Bill was the most selfless person I ever knew. May he Rest In Peace. Marie and I send our deepest condolences to Jeanne and the Durand family.
Sam Bertrand
July 19, 2021
Bill was a smart, considerate, funny, and talented individual. I was very fortunate to play in a band with Bill in the 70’s. It was always an adventure. Good times that will never be forgotten.
Maureene Scott
July 19, 2021
Our deepest condolences on Bills passing. May you be comforted by all of your wonderful memories. Sincerely, Ron and Maureene Scott
Brad Fox
July 19, 2021
Bill was a class act and true gentleman! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Durand Family.
Dot & Vin Francesconi
July 19, 2021
So sorry to hear of Bill passing. May he RIP. Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family.
Patricia Baxter-thornhill
July 19, 2021
Bill was one of the kindest and most supportive individuals I have ever known. My life was richer for having known him. May he Rest In Peace.
Patty Hartman
July 19, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time .. R.I.P. Bill ..
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Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
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Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home - Pawtucket220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI 02860
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