LION - Mr. Harold A. Durand, a World War II Veteran and recipient of both prestigious medals the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, entered into rest on Sunday morning, December 14, 2014 in Ilion, NY. His age was 89 years.
He was born on July 14, 1925 in Mohawk, NY, a son of the late Lloyd Durand and Gladys Williams Hughes. He grew up in East Herkimer. In his senior year of high school he enlisted with the United States Army and upon service during World War II was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. The citations were ceremoniously awarded to Harold by then Assemblyman Anthony Casale. On August 17, 1946 he married Helen C. Sohns in the Reformed Church of Herkimer, a union of over 61 years. Helen passed away on April 27, 2008. Along with his wife Harold was the owner and operator of Colonial Rest Home in Richfield Springs. He was a dedicated member of the Richfield Springs Bible Church. He was also a member of the DAV, the National 4th Infantry Division Association and the 22nd Infantry Regiment Society.
He is survived by his beloved family, a daughter Dawn Davis and husband David of Cumberland, Maryland, her sons, Douglas Durand and his wife Debbie of Idaho, Dale Durand and his wife Deborah of Equinunk, PA, and Dwayne Durand and his wife Sue of Ilion, a sister - in - law Lois Kast of Herkimer, eight grandchildren, Sandra and Michael Mattocks, Shannon Huffman, Justin Durand, Leigh Grove, Joshua and Aaron Durand and Becky Durand, many great - grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His funeral will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort), Ilion, NY 315-894-8000. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 9:00-10:00 AM. Procession will then follow to Mountain View Memorial Gardens Cemetery, town of Little Falls, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.
The family is being cared for by Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors.