Obituary of Isidoro Daniel Duran

Daniel Isidoro Duran died peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Maplewood, New Jersey, surrounded by family. He faced his final days with courage and dignity, yet maintained his characteristic smile and laughter until the very end.

 

Dan is survived by wife Mary Ellen (Dusold) Duran, daughter Alicia Duran [Mimi Intagliata] and son Jonathan Duran [Merit Ma], grandchildren Lucas Duran Intagliata and Celeste Duran Intagliata, sisters Evelyn (Duran) Rivera and Ida (Duran) Chavez, and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

 

Dan was born on May 7, 1941, into a large, loving family in Santa Fe, New Mexico (the “Land of Enchantment”). He was the youngest of Juan de la Cruz and Catarina Duran’s 10 children. He graduated from Santa Fe High School, where he played basketball, ran track, and particularly enjoyed his Drama and Latin classes. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New Mexico State University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Western Michigan State University. The early part of his career was spent as a Blind Mobility Specialist, working with veterans. In the 1970s, Dan shifted to personnel and labor relations in the federal government, where he spent the remainder of his career. He was a beacon of competence and integrity in his work environment, never backing down from what he believed was right.

 

Dan married Mary Ellen on June 11, 1967, and they had two children. The family moved every couple of years, experiencing the diversity and wonder of the United States. Through his job changes, he and his family lived in and came to know San Francisco, Phoenix, Santa Monica, Denver, Albuquerque, Yellowstone National Park, Tulsa, and Chambersburg, PA. They even spent two years in Germany and traveled throughout Europe. During his professional life, Dan participated in Toastmasters, volunteered in local churches, and worked pro bono with visually impaired children. He enjoyed playing the guitar, carving Spanish Colonial sculptures, and fixing just about anything. He loved animals, both his own pets and those in the wild.

 

Dan was a proud New Mexican, and wherever he travelled, he kept Santa Fe and his Hispanic culture close to his heart. He treasured his family’s close relationship with the Tewa residents of San Ildefonso pueblo.

 

Dan was, above all else, a family man. He revered his parents, loved his siblings dearly, adored his wife and children, and doted on his grandchildren. Although he cherished his immediate family members with intense devotion, Dan also had a special relationship with his many nieces and nephews, and his children’s friends, delighting in their unique personalities and accomplishments.

 

Dan leaves behind a grateful family who will never forget his kindness, integrity, humor, and loyalty.