Francis E. Durant, 87

ADAMS, Mass. — Francis E. Durant, 87, passed away Thursday evening, August 10, 2017, at the Williamstown Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Adams on August 13, 1929, son of the late Francis A. and Gertrude Harrington Durant, he attended Adams schools including the former Notre Dame School. Francis was employed for over twenty years for the Daniel J. O'Connell Co. in Holyoke, Mass., as a mason. In 1973 he along with several other masons restored the Mount Greylock War Memorial in Adams.

After his retirement as a mason he became employed by the former State College in North Adams, which is now MCLA, for twelve years in the food service program. Francis was a U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran, serving aboard the USS Douglas H. Fox Navy Destroyer. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams. He was also a member of Adams Post 160 of the American Legion, the Mountain Club, and the Turn Hall, both in Adams, and a former long time member of the Adams Lodge of Elks.

He enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting, and picnics. Francis was an avid viewer of war and western movies and could recite line for line from his favorite movies of John Wayne. His joy came from being with his family. He would sit for hours on his daughter and son-in-law's porch just watching people walk by, striking up a conversation or two. His great grandchildren called him "Old Timer" because they couldn't pronounce the polish name for grandfather "Dziadziu," and he graciously excepted the title. He had a million smiles and winks for everyone.

He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Alibozek, whom he married on October 17, 1953; a son, Michael Durant and his wife Elizabeth of Adams; three daughters, Pamela Copeland and her husband Wayne of Adams, Christine Belcher and her husband Jack of Ocala, Fla., and Tressa Abernathy of North Carolina; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Gale Grande; and a son-in-law, William "Bill" Abernathy.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Francis will take place Thursday, August 17, 2017, at noon in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Adams, celebrated by the Rev. Steven J. Montesanti, Pastor of the Parish of St. John Paul the II. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Adams.

Calling hours at the Trottier Pringle Funeral Home, 6 Summer St., Adams, MA 01220 will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff at Williamstown Commons for there wonderful compassionate care given to Francis.