Thomas John Durand, Sr.

Thomas John Durand, Sr. of Arlington HeightsThomas John Durand, Sr. was born December 15, 1930 in Bayonne, NJ to Thomas and Kathryn Durand." He passed away peacefully on December 28, 2016 at age 86, surrounded by loving family members.Tom loved watching and competing in many sports including swimming where he held a record at Fenwick High School for many years." He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1952." Following graduation, he served in the Army from 1952 to 1956 as a First Lieutenant and entertainment director in charge of providing merriment in which he excelled." During his time in the Army he met his wife of 54 years, Joan Horan." They met on a blind date at an Officer dance in Washington D.C. and married in 1956." Tom greatly enjoyed spending time and visiting Joan"s many family members in Pottsville, PA.An avid golfer, he golfed in the St. James Men's Twilight league and various tournaments." He was happiest on the golf course." Tom was a member of St. James Church since 1967 and participated in many service activities including bingo caller for 30 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus.Thomas is survived by his beloved six children: Katherine (Charles) Willett, Thomas J., Jr. (Kathleen) Durand, John (Christie) Durand, Patrick (Sharon) Durand, William (Deborah) Durand and Mary (Mark) Bakal; his grandchildren Madeleine, Christian, Claire, McKenna, Keaton, Ryann, Nathan, Hannah, Michael and Courtney Durand, Carissa and Ryan McDowell and Scott, Ellen and Erin Bakal; his sister Kathryn (Bill) Calligan, brother in law Daniel (Helen) Horan and by many nieces and nephews.Thomas is preceded in death by his wife Joan E. Durand (nee Horan); his brother James Durand; his cherished in-laws, Daniel and Katherine Horan and sister in law, Ellen (Doc) Schlitzer; his nephew Jamie Durand and by his parents.The family expresses their gratitude to loving caregiver Grace Sakwa.Visitation from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights." Prayers 9:15 AM, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., proceeding to St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights for Mass at 10:00 AM." Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Research Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, or"https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC.