John G. Duran Jr. 1945-2020

John was born Feb. 21, 1945, in Youngstown, the son of the late John and Helen May Duran.

He graduated from Chaney High School in 1963. John served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later returned to the Youngstown area. While attending Youngstown State University, he was duly initiated into Company P First Regiment of The National Society of Pershing Rifles, commissioned as a first lieutenant and he received The Order of Merit, Grade of Officer for his outstanding service. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a dual bachelor’s degree in transportation management and business economics in 1978.

John worked for ITT Continental Baking Company, Wonder Bread in the shipping department. He later became a sales representative for The Xerox Company, selling office machines before retiring Jan. 1, 2014.

He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Columbiana.

John was a devoted husband, father and brother. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. During his free time, John enjoyed fishing and playing golf.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Marlene A. Maskarinec, whom he married April 15, 1978; two sons, Erik J. Duran of Newalla, Okla., and Scot J. Duran of Lyndhurst; brother, Larry J. (Mary Lynn) Duran of New Springfield; and three brothers-in-law, Dr. Ronald (Dolly) Maskarinec of Cherryville, N.C., Dr. John (Anne) Maskarinec of Rootstown and David (Yolanda) Maskarinec of Irving, Texas; and his aunt, Katherine (Jerry) Heller of Southport, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael J. Duran; and a brother, Richard A. Duran.

Due to COVID-19, there will be a private memorial service Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Columbiana, with the Rev. David Misbrener officiating.

There are no calling hours.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of John.

Arrangements are being handled by Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market Street in Boardman. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

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