Frank J. Duran 1932-2021
What can I tell you about Frank? I could tell you he was born August 2, 1932 Ventura California. He passed away January 28, 2021 He is one of 8 children born to Soledad and Francisco Duran. He attended Mill School elementary, mostly. He was often sent home for his naughty behavior unless he was needed to play in a baseball game. He and his family lived and worked on the Canet Ranch. That is when our father developed a love for ranching. When he was 20, he was drafted into the Army where he fought for our country in the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart for his service. After being honorably discharged, he met and married the love of his life, Joanne. They were together for 50 years. I could tell you all of those things but what I want to tell you most about our father was that he was a great man. He was hard working and loyal. In Ojai California, he managed one of the most successful citrus ranches in town. He loved that ranch. He worked from sunup to sundown. He instilled in us a work ethic that is second to none. He always encouraged us to surpass our potential. Family was most important to our father. When my mother was sick, he never left her side. His brothers and sisters were very important to him. At family reunions it was such a privilege to sit around the picnic tables and listen to my aunts, uncles and he share their childhood stories. He taught us that family was most important no matter what.
My father is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne Duran, mother and father Soledad and Francisco Duran, his siblings, Adam Pulido, Conrad Duran, Teresa Valencia, and Pete Duran. He is survived by his daughters Jody Duran, Judy Cutillo, Jacqueline Wilson (the favorite), and her husband John, Janet Duran (really his favorite), his granddaughters Melissa Blanchard, Kimberly Wilson, great grandsons JJ Blanchard, Zachary Blanchard, Milo Goodman. He is survived by his siblings Gracie Varela, her husband Martin, Bill Duran, Anna, and George Duran, his wife Solie; his brother-in law Jack Morrison, and his wife Rebecca. He also had many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved greatly. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, and nurses who treated our dad on the COVID floor of the Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura California.
Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to be held celebrated at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, 211 E. Main Street Ventura, on February 5th at 10:00 with Pastor Fr. Tom Elewaut officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura. Visiting hours are private for family only.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.