BINGHAMTON – Robert D. Durand, a Binghamton resident since 2014 and former long-time resident of Dutchess County, died on Friday, October 12, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. He was 94.
Son of the late Dexter and Olive (Storrs) Durand, he was born in Cheshire, CT on September 2, 1924. Robert was a graduate of Cheshire Academy, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University. In 1943, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. Robert served as a Gunnery Instructor in the European Theatre during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1946. For more than 35 years, Robert worked as an Engineer for I.B.M. at their facilities in Kingston and East Fishkill. He retired in 1991.
He loved to sing and spent many years performing with the Poughkeepsie New Yorkers Barbershop Chorus. He also enjoyed genealogy and was Past Treasurer of the New England Genealogical Society. His other hobbies included sailing, skiing, and travel.
On August 16, 1952, he married Joan Wandres at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. Robert was predeceased by Joan on September 7, 2004.
He is survived by his children: Robert Durand (Bonnie) of Highland, Renee Stiert of Lake Katrine, Russell Durand of Cornwall Bridge, CT, Reed Durand (Julie) of Owego, Jeffrey Durand of LaGrange, and Joy Devorsetz (Daniel) of Brookfield, CT; his daughter in law, Katie Durand of Hammondsport; his grandchildren: Angela, Samantha, Devin (Elizabeth), Rebecca, Johnathan, Cathy, Andrew (Gretchen), Susan, Caroline, Thomas, Laura, Samuel, Abigail, Maggie, Austin, Emily, Alexander, and Hayden; his great-grandson, Ander; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Robert was also predeceased by his son, Jason Durand, in 2010; and his siblings: Winnie Smith, Harlan Durand, and Betty Ransom.
Calling hours will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 20 at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., followed by interment with Military Honors at St. Denis Cemetery in Hopewell Junction.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601; www.alz.org
For directions and online tributes, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.