I am going to miss you my friend 
My condolences to the family

My sincere condolences to Duran's family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss!!!

My heart is so sad, loosing my friend Durand who was my work colleague in the Counseling Services Center at City Tech for over 15 years. All the accolades about his musical giftings are so right on, and Durand was also a genuinely great human being. I witnessed up close how he emanated warmth and kindness to students and staff alike, he was truly a joy to be around. My heart also goes out to his son, Luke, to Carrie and his family and countless friends. I had the joy of going to the City Tech Fitness Center with Durand, we were the more “senior” gym members among all the younger City Tech students. In the photo, Durand is wearing the t-shirts they gave us, along with his infectious smile.

Devastating news - and a tremendous loss our hearts and prayers are with you today and forever.
RIP Duran -
Love Nancy, Tim and Zoe

My deepest condolences to the Daniel family.  May God comfort your heart in your time of bereavement.

Durand you will be truly missed. What an honor to have known you. When I was doing my internship at the counseling office you treated us like family. I was thinking about stopping by to say hello just to find out about your passing. You always talk about Luke. You will be truly missed. Rest in peace my dear friend. Rouguia

Durand will be greatly missed!  I came to know him when he began working in the Registrar’s Office.  He never changed even after transferring to the Counseling Center.  Durand was always willing to help students!  He and I would talk about life and music.  I came to know him as a caring, fun loving man and father to his son Luke.  

My deepest condolences to Luke and Durand’s parents.  My prayer is that God continue to strengthen you during your bereavement.

Dear loved ones,
I wanted to say that I am very happy to have met Durand at work while at City tech.  He was a kind man always making everyone laugh.  Durand was talkative and outgoing...and he made the cold wintry days at work warm.  I looked forward to working at the college with him, because I worked with students who struggled and I noticed that he was very helpful and did his best to think of others.  I remembered when I forgot to eat breakfast, and he would share his bacon egg sandwich without hesitation.  I'm going to miss his smile, kindness, and generosity.  Thanks for allowing me to share this story.  

Sincerely,
Polly

Is with sympathy that I extend my condolence to Durand's loved ones. My memories of him was that he was ever friendly, approachable and kind. The loss is profound. We long for the time, which is fast approaching, when the loss of our dear loved ones or anyone for that matter will be a part of our life's existence. Death will not longer have victory over us.

In loving memory of Durand Daniel — a truly special soul. Durand was a great person, an engaging communicator, and a phenomenal musician whose presence lit up every space he entered. He had a way of connecting with people that felt effortless and real, whether through conversation or through his music.

Some of my favorite memories are bringing my friends to the Lazy Lobster just to hear him play. We’d sit there, lobster rolls in hand, feeling the balmy sea breeze roll in off the Long Island Sound, completely vibing to his soulful renditions of Bob Marley. His music was more than sound — it was a tribute to my Jamaican heritage, full of warmth, rhythm, and deep feeling that brought everyone together.

Those moments felt timeless: good friends, ocean air, and Durand’s music carrying us somewhere peaceful and joyful. He created memories that will live on long after the last note faded.

Durand will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered — never forgotten, always felt in the rhythm of the music and the breeze by the sea. 💛🎶🌊

In loving memory of Durand Daniel — a truly special soul. Durand was a great person, an engaging communicator, and a phenomenal musician whose presence lit up every space he entered. He had a way of connecting with people that felt effortless and real, whether through conversation or through his music.

Some of my favorite memories are bringing my friends to the Lazy Lobster just to hear him play. We’d sit there, lobster rolls in hand, feeling the balmy sea breeze roll in off the Long Island Sound, completely vibing to his soulful renditions of Bob Marley. His music was more than sound — it was a tribute to my Jamaican heritage, full of warmth, rhythm, and deep feeling that brought everyone together.

Those moments felt timeless: good friends, ocean air, and Durand’s music carrying us somewhere peaceful and joyful. He created memories that will live on long after the last note faded.

Durand will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered — never forgotten, always felt in the rhythm of the music and the breeze by the sea. 💛🎶🌊 Marilyn Morrison, New York City College of Technology

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the life of our beloved Durand,
for the love he gave and the memories we will always treasure.
Hold him close in your arms of mercy and bring him into your everlasting peace.
Take away all pain and welcome him into the joy of heaven.
Strengthen us in our sorrow and remind us that your love never ends.
Amen.🙏🏻💐forever in our hearts and prayers🙏🏻💐Tio Jim , Tia Xo +🙏🏻❤️

Dear Family of Durand, I am filled with sorrow to hear of Durand's passing.  He used to always make me laugh (as recently as last week when I last saw him) and when i was a student Durand always fit me in to see my counselor.  I truly regret I did not get a chance to see him perform.

Sincerely,  Kathy

I will miss seeing your face, talking and laughing with you my friend… It was such a joy being in your presence because I knew it would be full of laughter. Sleep well my friend. 

Missing you already Sheronda!

Christmas 1992, I took this family photo at my home. Pictured from left are, Durand, with my cousin, Sandra, and my children Allegra and Anthony. This precious portrait best expresses the love and joy we shared with Durand on so many occasions since we welcomed him to our family as a teenager more than 40 years ago. Durand enriched our lives with love, laughter and wonderful music. Words can’t express our sorrow at losing such a vibrant, wonderful human being too soon. May he rest in peace and light, and rock on eternally with the angels.
We will miss you, Durand, for the rest of our lives. 
Anthony Bien, Allegra Bien, Sandra Bertolo and Tania Lambert

Christmas 1992, I took this family photo at my home. Pictured from left are, Durand, with my cousin, Sandra, and my children Allegra and Anthony. This precious portrait best expresses the love and joy we shared with Durand on so many occasions since we welcomed him to our family as a teenager more than 40 years ago. Durand enriched our lives with love, laughter and wonderful music. Words can’t express our sorrow at losing such a vibrant, wonderful human being too soon. May he rest in peace and light, and rock on eternally with the angels. We will miss you, Durand, for the rest of our lives. 
Anthony Bien, Allegra Bien, Sandra Bertolo and Tania Lambert

I never had the privilege of meeting Durand,  but am inspired by learning of  the profound impact he had on so many of his students and colleagues at City Tech. 
He graced their lives with his warmth, kindness and sensitivity as well as his exceptional musical talent.
As his friends, colleagues and loving family mourn his untimely passing, may they also celebrate his memory, by incorporating some of his uplifting qualities into their daily encounters  with others, and, like him, make this world a better place...
Emilie A. Cozzi 
Former Provost, Acting President and Professor
NYC College of Technology/CUNY

Our last visit together was just in November when Durand and Carrie came to lead a birthday music jam to promote and donate to my new family wellness center.
He sat on the grass and cheered on my son at his soccer game.
He walked through my small town and made friends with every store owner. 
They performed as a duo like so many other nights and watching them together always made me cry. 
The talent and the love and the respect was incredibly unique.

Our first trip together, he scooped my son up and took him swimming and biking and of course taught him to walk down the street and say in a New York accent 
“Hey we’re walking over here!”
I could tell he missed the days when his own son was only seven years old, and he had so much joy being with my boy from day one.

VIVIENNE EVANS
1/31/2026
Family Friend 
Sending Condolences to Luke, Durand’s Parents, his love ones and the entire families.
I pray that God will give you all strength in this time of bereavement. 
We all loved him, but God love him the best. 
Rest in peace DURAND 
Angels in heaven will be listening to your music.
                                  🙏 💔❤️🙏

First time in NY, blizzard and all—you showed me so much love. Watching you perform with your band made me so proud.

Durand was one of a kind , once in a lifetime blessing to ALL who knew him, heard him, or just met him..this loss is hard to accept. Jeff & I are VERY grateful that we were chosen to be in Durands light & love for the years we were given with him.
His love is never ending.. his light will always shine. And his talent will remain with us forever. So many prayers for you Carrie..one day at a time ..love you 🙏💔🙏❤️

Durand doing some magic on white strat at Dan Lynch's

1995 , in front of Dan Lynch's blues bar.
Durand was my first band mate in NYC, introduced me to everybody, we recorded one CD at my studio.
RIP brother,gonna miss you...
Alexander Rastopchin

I'll remember Durand for his love of music and the way he cared for students. Always a kind word, a smile and always patient. Rest in peace dear colleague.

My heart is so sad about the loss of Durand, my friend and coworker for over 15 years. All of the accolades posted about his musical talents are so true, but Durand was also a genuine, beautiful man. He was always especially warm and kind toward the students and staff at the college, and he was great to be around. Besides interacting with him daily in the Counseling Center at City Tech, I had the unique experience of working out with him in the College Fitness Center- we were the more senior members along with the younger City Tech students. In this photo he is wearing the t-shirt we were given, along with his infectious smile. My heart also goes out to his son, Luke and his entire family- may God give you comfort and keep you in His perfect peace.

Heartbroken to hear about the passing of a wonderful colleague. He was such an inspiration at the College. That laugh—you could hear it throughout the entire Counseling office, and his smile brought joy to everyone he met. You left an unforgettable impact on us all. Rest in peace.

Durand was a force. He showed up in life beaming with love and enthusiasm and ready to connect.  What an amazing good fortune to have him greet visitors to the counseling center.  It is truly a loss of light for us all. My heart is with Luke, who I know he loved immeasurably. Condolences to all his loved ones.

I’m glad to say that I had the privilege of meeting Durand and singing with him and Carrie a couple of times. Besides being a wonderful accomplished musician Durand was a beautiful sweet man who was loved and admired by anyone who ever met him.  
Our hearts go out to Carrie and all of his family and friends.  
Rest in Peace Durand you live in our hearts. 
Sending love and condolences ❤️
Janet & Tony Montalbo

It’s been about 5 or 6 years since I’ve seen Durand and heard him play. But I can remember  like yesterday us dancing and listening to music with our friends at The Inner Circle  and dancing to Dreamspeak and at Columbia University. I can see his dreadlocks flying. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Carrie, but I am so saddened for your loss. Durand is a great loss to this world; the kind of person who made everyone around him feel special and loved. My thoughts and love are with his family and friends near and far. 
Wendy Ross Woods

Durand. This is what I will miss the most

Mary and I were so saddened to hear that Durand passed away .. he was a really nice man, and a great musician. Our musical community is a tight knit  group we’re all very intermixed with each other. His loss is a loss for all of us. Our deepest condolences to his family, may he rest in peace .. 
With Love 
Mike and Mary Breier

Durand’s smile lit up every room he entered.  He was just the nicest, sweetest person to all.  He will be missed, not only as an awesome musician, but as a very kind human.

Six years ago, Carrie McQuade came up to me at my husband, Curt Arnel’s weekly jam, at KJ Farrell’s.  She pointed across the room to Durand and said “who is that beautiful man over there?”  I introduced them, and the rest is history.

Condolences to the family,  and of course, to Carrie.  Rest in peace, Durand, and keep on rockin’! 😇🎼

Oh Durand, you were such a special person! You loved everyone and truly made us feel heard and appreciated. We will miss you, your smile, your presence in the office, and you just being you.
 My friend❤️ 
My prayers continue for his loved ones that they will be comforted at this time.🙏🏾

I am beyond words with grief but the saying “No Love, No Grief” applies. Durand was a shining light and I will always remember his passion for music, his love for his family, especially his Mother and his acceptance for everyone.  Helen Frank

Our deepest sympathy to the family. 
Durand  we miss you so much already. 
Rest in Peace❤️ Athletics & Recreation

OBITUARY

Durand Gilberto Daniel

17 June, 1967 – 26 January, 2026

M.J. Smith Sons

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