He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his sons Frank, Jr. and Bob (Leah); daughters Valerie (Scott) and Gina; stepchildren Tim and Tammy and grandchildren Joey, Massimo, Holly, Jackson, Kylie, Grace, Robbie, Ace, and Perry. He is preceded in death by his mother Grace Emma Linden and sister Barbara Feitt. He touched the lives of so many of his large, extended family, including former daughter in law Ladonna Van Buren; his nephews Mike and Eric and niece Dian; and stepsons Ralph and Luis; in laws; as well as his neighbors and friends and his larger union family. He is greatly beloved, and will be missed and remembered forever.
Frank was born in Boston, on November 17, 1933 to Grace Emma and Paul Duris. After his mother passed away at the young age of 21, when he was only 4 years old, Frank went to live with his grandparents Peter and Mildred Linden in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Frank’s younger sister Barbara was raised by their uncle. Frank and Barbara were introduced as brother and sister as adults and were close for the rest of their lives. He eventually enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. Frank went on to get his journeyman license as a Pipefitter. He was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters and Local Union 725 for over 64 years. Frank continued to live and work in South Florida. He worked in HVAC and pipefitting at Turkey Point Power Plant and eventually settled and worked at the Dade County School Board until his retirement. Frank was very proud of his history and the time he spent in the military, the union, and the work he accomplished in his long career. However, he always felt his greatest accomplishment was always his family.
Frank was married to his first wife Gloria Margus until 1964. After, he met and married Mary Pagnotti in 1969. In the time they were married, they had four children together: Frankie, Jr., Valerie, and the twins Regina (Gina) and Robert (Bobby). After their divorce, Frank married Alina Garcia and became a stepfather to Alina’s sons Ralph and Luis Garcia. Frank met Linda Swett in 1993, his wife of over 25 years until his death. He became a beloved husband and stepfather to Linda and her children Tim and Tammy. He was adored by his many grandchildren and lovingly known as “Papa.” Frank was a driving force of love and affection and guidance to so many including all his children, stepchildren, their spouses, and his grandchildren.
Frank was very proud of his Greek heritage. He took pride in his accomplishments and especially his large family. He was known for generously giving out colorful advice in a way those that knew Frank understood was unique to Frank, and be lovingly described as “Frank-isms.” He was larger than life and was known as a character, using humor to bring levity and laughter to even the most serious of situations. He loved to laugh, watch comedy and classic movies, and play Poker at home. Frank was an amazing singer and dancer that would whisk his partner around a dancefloor with old school charm. His charismatic smile and laugh could fill up a room. We will carry him in our hearts forever and remain grateful for having him in our lives.
Viewing and visitation will be on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 4:30pm to 8:00 pm at Kraeer Funeral home in Coral Springs, Florida, 1655 North University Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33071. Burial will be private at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank’s life. Flowers are welcome, but if you would prefer to donate in his name, please send donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. Share your memories here Francis "Frank" P Duris Obituary - Coral Springs, FL - Share Memory (dignitymemorial.com)
A visitation for Frank will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071, followed by a prayer service from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Duris family.
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