Antonio Ramon Duran Valdes

Tony was born to Encarnita Valdés López-Cepero (of San Juan, Puerto Rico) and Alfonso Antonio Durán Garcia (of Ecuador) in Manhattan, NY in 1945. He often spoke fondly of his time living in the multi-generational family home in Bronxville. His family resettled in Puerto Rico around 1951, however Tony continued to profess himself a native New Yorker.

In 1970, Tony married Gilda Ileana “Cuca” Pérez Oronoz, mother of Antonio Abdón Durán Pérez and Ileana Sófia Durán Pérez. In 1977 Tony married Sandy Locardi Magnani, mother of Renata Sofía Durán Magnani. Tony is survived by all, including 4 granddaughters, living in Georgia. Tony was also later married Viveca Venegas Vilaró. In 1994, Tony met his sweetheart of 26 years, Vanesa Olivencia.

In 2015 Tony moved to Georgia to live near his children: Ileana, Antonio, his wife Mica, and their two daughters, Alexa and Cora — all of Atlanta; and Renata and her two daughters, Sylvia and Agatha, of Savannah.

Tony was a wonderful conversationalist and spent many hours conversing with friends and family. He is survived by his siblings: Encarnita Mariana Durán Alonso Ahrens of Tampa, Luis Alberto Durán Valdés of Miami, Maria Eulalia Durán Valdés de Amador of Guayaquil, Ecuador; his uncle Ramón Valdés López-Cepero in Florida, and aunt Anina Valdés López-Cepero de Fernández of San Juan. His aunts Carmen Valdés López-Cepero and Mariana Valdés López-Cepero preceded him in death.

Tony prided himself as a gentleman. He exhibited all of the attributes associated with the term — including being chivalrous, considerate, courteous, honorable, polite, respectful, noble, taking care of his appearance/dress and always smelling of his special fragrance concoction. He was generous with gifts. He quietly talked of good deeds. He especially enjoyed being one of the 3 Kings traveling around Puerto Rico with his best friend Justo Arenas.

His favorite past time was to sit comfortably and watch old movies/westerns. His hobbies over the years were photography, listening to music, cooking for friends and family get togethers, his enormous fish tank (built by him), and his collection of exotic eggs. He stated (and it was proven) that he could eat just about anything and everything that moved (or didn’t). One of his favorite foods was ice cream—the later in the evening the better. Living in Georgia, he developed a taste for many southern dishes (prepared by Mica and her mother, Rhonda), eating fish (which he complained were full of bones in PR), fruit and a “taste” for reading/reciting poetry publicly.

He began his professional career by joining his father in the family toy and housewares business — accompanying him in purchasing adventures to the Orient. During his professional career as a wholesaler, he procured everything from toys and figurines to flavors and essences. He

especially looked forward to the annual toy exhibition in New York — boarding with his high-school sweetheart Diana Pekarek and her husband Bruce.

In his final years, he lived at Hammond Glen Retirement Community, where he had a renewed social life and gained many new friends.

Tony was generous with his time and attention, and his friendship will be missed by many.

Due to the pandemic, a public memorial service will not be held at this time. A private mass will be held in his honor.