Dr. Manuel Duran, Jr., Ed.D., 74, passed away on September 19, 2016. He was a retired educator and administrator for the Hillsborough County Public School System. Manuel stressed in children that being bilingual was an advantage, not a disadvantage. His motto was “Si se puede” translated to “Yes you can”. He received numerous awards for his endeavors. He was affectionately known as Dr. D. to his faculty and students.
Manuel is survived by his wife, JoAnn Duran; sons, Michael (Kristina), Mark (Kim) and Manuel; grandchildren, Bailey, Jenna, Conner, Joanna; brother, Rick Duran; sister, Sharon Hardin and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Gonzalez Funeral Home with a visitation starting at 5:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions will be accepted for the American Heart Association at www.donatenow.heart.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33614, www.gonzalezfuneral.com, 813-931-1833.
