NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Richard Francis Durant, 74, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and formerly of North Adams,
Massachusetts, died on Aug. 25, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale following a three-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Richard was born on January 17, 1952, in North Adams, Massachusetts, to the late Shirley A. (Gorman) and Russell W. Durant, Sr.

Richard attended the former St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from St. Joseph High School with the Class of 1969. He also attended Rhode Island College. Richard lived in Florida for more than forty years and was employed by FoundCare of West Palm Beach, Florida, as their Procurement Manager.

Richard returned to North Adams for several years to care for his mother. During that time, he was employed by the House of Walsh and the Williams Inn in Williamstown. Following his mother's death, he returned to Florida, where he continued to make his home.

Richard was an active communicant of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, where he was involved in the parish's Homeless Ministry and Food Distribution Program. He was an avid and prolific tennis player and, in his younger years, was an exceptionally talented bowler, following in the footsteps of his father.

Richard was very congenial, generous, and fun to be around. He truly enjoyed life and maintained his positive spirit and love of living until his last breath.

Richard is survived by his partner, Mark Semple of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; his sisters, Patricia A. Clairmont and her husband, Lawrence, of Adams, Massachusetts, and Michaele A. Durant of Chicopee, Massachusetts; as well as several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brothers, Russell W. Durant, Jr., of North Adams, Massachusetts, and John T. Durant of Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Burial will be private in the family plot at Southview Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a donation in Richard's memory may contribute to the Alzheimer's Association online at alz.org or by mail to Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.