John was a great mentor and encourager for me. He guided me through my career, while gently nudging me in the right direction when needed. His impact on people could not be measured, always wishing for the success of others, and pushing them forward when he had the opportunity. He had one of the biggest hearts for people I have ever seen. This world is definitely losing one of the best, you will be greatly missed.

John was a very special spirit and had a great influence on my life..

He had a great intelligence at a heart that could be barely contained.

I worked with John my entire career and learned so much from him professionally and spiritually

He was a guiding light for many of us and a motivator for the teams

I love John with all my heart and will thinking of him always, and his tokens of appreciation are cherished Momentos I feature in my home as a reminder of my love for John.

As one of his favorite artist, Jimmy Buffett wrote…. “24 hours maybe 70 good years…. it’s really not that long a stay”

Rest in peace, my beloved parrot head🙏🏻

“If you can’t fix it, feature it!” 

This quote from John sticks in my mind and I’ve repeated it often.  It means a lot to me because it can be taken several ways.  

-If you embrace the hiccup, you can entertain others (and yourself).
-Own your mistakes.  
-Don’t let what you can’t control bring you down.
-Find a bright side.  
-Not all problems are bad.

John had a profound impact on my life and career.  I’m where I am today in part because of John.  In my time at Regal I spent lots of time with him and on the phone.  I have several hilarious stories that are burned into my memory.  The bits and pieces were good too.  He was an even keel kind of person all the time which was settling when I was venting about something. He was funny, accepting, patient, mischievous, loving, helpful, understanding, fun, caring and a mentor, teacher and friend.  

One of the first times I met John was on an install in Seattle.  He proceeded to insert himself into a piece of flexible air conditioning duct and walked around like the Michelin man!  If I find the picture, I’ll post it! This was his way of disarming people and embracing them.  He introduced me to a population of people he knew and even people he didn’t know in an industry that I love.  

A celebrity once gifted our table a bottle of Dom Perignon.  I had a sip and excused myself for a break.  John proceeded to drink my glass.  He gifted a bottle of Dom Perignon to Sarah and me for our wedding.  (lots of details omitted 😉)

Cheers, John!  Thank you, to everyone who influenced John to be the excellent person he was and to John for paying it forward.

Prayers and love to Brenda and the family.

Frank & Sarah Tees

Tribute to Brother Juan Durliat
JOHN  WAS LARGER THAN LIFE


He was a larger-than-life person who loved his family and friends, including his lovely wife, Brenda, and son, Martin. The most personal part was my relationship as friends for over 25 years and why it was so easy to identify John as a larger-than-life person because that was the core of his being, and I want to relay what his friendship meant to me over all those years. 
I chose a brief personal story about his love of laughter and some funny moments we shared. 

When John came to South Florida to inspect the cinemas, he would call me to accompany him as his assistant, without pay, and write down all his findings. At the same time, he taught me what to look for when inspecting a cinema. 
 After we finished, we were hungry, thirsty, and wanted to relax after a long day.
Take me to a different place in Miami, he would say.  
I drove him to Jimbo's Place in Virginia Key at  Key Biscayne, Miami.
It's simply the last place at the end of the road where everyone is welcome, from kings and politicians to working folks and the salt of the earth. Jimbo’s place was a state of mind.
Jimbo was part bar and seafood joint, part movie set, and part Sanford and Son junk jard. 
John met the owner, Jimbo Luznar.
Jimbo was the real Forest Gump, with more stories than Jimmy Durante and Rodney Dangerfield.
As you can imagine, John and Jimbo hit it off immediately. 
They exchanged stories while we played bocci ball but never could beat Jimbo. 
  Brenda would call once in a while to check up on John.
 Don't worry, honey, I am with Guillermo and Jimbo he said.  
Jimbo’s place became a staple for John whenever he was in the area. 
John used to say, “If you don't know Jimbos, you don't know Jack about shrimp, cheap beer, smoked fish, and bocci balls.” 
John, today you are 
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Dear Brenda,  

Rachel and I would like to send our condolences to you, and to the rest of you and John's family.  John was a friend of my father, Jim Ezell.  In the early 1990's I went to lunch with my dad and John and at the end of the lunch John hired me to work for him at NCS.  A year later I followed John to Regal.  I was put on the road with him for about 6 months while he trained me.  He always had the ability to get off the interstate in some small town and find a hole in the wall restaurant with the best food!  After my training, I would call John early mornings and late nights when I had trouble fixing a theatre problem.  John never got upset.  He would spend as much time as needed talking me through the problem.  John gave me a career that lasted until the Covid-19 Pandemic.   As the years went by, I had the privilege to work with John many times.  I had a lot of great meals and fun times with him.  He always kept me laughing.   John started out as a friend of my father's, then he became my boss, but most importantly he became my friend.  Rest in peace my friend.     Joe Ezell

I will always remember are trips we shared with John and Brenda and Barb. I especially remember the the day we were at Hadrain's wall and John was dressed as the Roman soldier, of course it was meant for 8 year child. John apparently could not read proper British English; the sign plainly stated please do not play with the toys. John looked great with his tiny shield, sword and very small helmet stretched over his head. I almost wet myself but didn't. I did laugh and cried  till I could not breathe. I urged him to stop because I thought the owner was going to call The Bobbie's and send John, myself, Brenda and Barb to the London Tower.
Love you John and Brenda.

Simply one of the finest men I have ever known. Never a cross word, always to the point and proud to offer anything needed.

Few come this way.

Tim Reed

John has been a good friend for most of my life. When I was a young man hanging Soundfold in theatres I would look into the projection booth while working on the port windows and see John. I really did not know him at first but kept seeing him in the booths over time, we finally met and I enjoyed his humor and caring nature. Somehow we usually worked on the same theatres over and over and both went on to work with NCS out of Cincinnati then on to Regal.
  John worked close with us at Soundfold and together we improved our side of presentation to where in my opinion it was the best in the industry.
   I was fortunate enough to spend some quality time with he and Brenda in the later years and enjoyed our time together.
   John will truly be missed.

Dear John,
You were a Force of Nature, you were Kind, Very Funny, Smart, a Person of Conviction, a Man of God, & True Family Man.  You are Dearly missed, because you are Greatly Loved, “For What is Grief, But Love Persevering.” It is our job to continue to Live & remember John, because he brought a lot to the Table, & he would want us to do the same. Rest in Peace Sweet Funny Man.
Love, Dan, Lori, Devri, Trevor, Ashley💜💜💜

My deepest condolences to you and your family Brenda.
My friend "Bonito Juanito" was a prince! Soo many stories! Please receive all my love in anticipation of sharing some of those stories.

Joe Delgado

John Durliat—a man whose heart was as expansive as his kindness. John wasn’t just a friend; he was a light in the lives of everyone he met. For all who knew him, he was the voice of wisdom, spoken with a gentle tone.

John had a gift for making people feel at ease. Whether he was sharing advice or listening patiently, he was always supportive, always kind. We treasure our memories that are filled with laughter, lessons, and love.

John loved his family, cherishing the moments spent together, big and small. And for us, his friends, he became family too.

We feel blessed to have known John. Our lives are richer for having had the chance to sit in his shadow, to learn from his wisdom, and to laugh at his stories. He will be missed beyond words, but his memory will live on in each of us.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Until we met again ......
Neal & Rhonda Melton

John was a wonderful friend. He was so good to my entire family, my parents, my children. He always had a kind word, an encouraging word. He loved animals and when you went to visit him, he was usually petting a family dog. Sing with Tick in heaven, and amaze the angels. Prayers for peace and comfort for the whole family. We love you all!
Dennis & Kimberly Wood

What a pleasure to have known John, not just as a professional who cared deeply about showmanship and quality in our industry, but as an intelligent, sharp-witted humorist and a man of exceptional integrity who cared deeply for his friends and family. The world is a lesser place without him. Godspeed John; somewhere in heaven a helluva funny movie started today, perfect in every way except that it was much too early for the rest of us.

God Bless yalls family,  praying for comfort.
I met Mr Durliat when Elena & I took her first car joy riding we were 16/17 &  had a wreck (at a place we shouldn't have been)!... he was  stern & concerned! 😘 I'm so very sorry God took another good one to soon. Hugs and love.
Rest peaceful sir.

Knockando

We had a party and we’re down at the bar. I lined up 5 Scotches ans the men tried them all. Everyone including John, loved the Knockando the best. It was also the cheapest. I went to Bob’s to get some more, only to find out Johnnie Walker had bought Knockando to put in their Johnnie Walker Blue. Later, John was in Vegas and Knockando was listed among the whiskeys they had. He asked the bartender who went back in their stockroom how many bottles they had. They had 3 bottles and John talked him out of them at a good price. John gave me one. I only drank it with him. After it was gone he tried several times to give me another bottle. I always declined. He gave it to me for Christmas.  That was John. 
I told him I was going to save it for a special occasion.  Years later, I opened it on September 26, 2024 when my grandson Jackson was born. 
I will toast John for the next few years as I take a sip on special occasions. That will be how I honor and remember my “Great friend John.”

From Floyd

John

﻿My friend John was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known. He wasn’t only a friend, he was and always will be family, Brenda too. I loved his hugs and kisses and his ability to brighten any room even though he wasn’t feeling good. Through many boat rides, Halloween parties, Mexican dinners, bar-b-ques, birthday celebrations,and just good old porch sittin visits he was always a joy to be around. He loved Brenda his family and his beloved dogs with his whole heart and endured many years of dialysis “hell” to be able to spend more time with them.  Today he is no longer “sittin up and taking nourishment” in his words, he is now pain free, thanks be to God, and watching over us and waiting for the circle to be unbroken.
Ann Rita

To say that I was privileged to have John as a part of my life is putting it mildly.  I met John shortly after joining the Regal Entertainment Group.  He was very instrumental in helping me survive the transition from Edwards theatres into the new corporate structure. I learned a lot from him, and often sought his advice, not only on work issues, but, at time personal ones as well.  His insight was very helpful.  I will sorely miss our conversations, and wish all the best for his family.  God Bless all of you!

John was an unbelievable high integrity individual who was a great fellow employee and friend during his career at NCS Corporation.  Later, he became a wonderful client during his long career at Regal Cinemas.  

To say John will be missed is certainly an understatement to I am sure so many friends and family. To all that were fortunate enough to cross his path in life; we are all blessed to have known him. 

Rest In Peace My Friend...

John was truly one of the best and everyone that his life touched is better off for it.

It’s hard to put into words what John meant to me and to so many of us who had the privilege of calling him a friend. He was more than just a colleague or mentor—he was family. John had this remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel seen and valued, bringing warmth and light wherever he went.

John loved cinema deeply, but his love for people ran even deeper. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, share a word of encouragement, or bring laughter into any room. I’ll never forget a personal moment that speaks to his kindness: after our son Ryan was born, John taught my wife, Kristi, a nursery rhyme—something simple but incredibly thoughtful. It’s one of those memories we’ll always hold close, a small act that showed just how much he cared.

John didn’t just look out for us in small ways; he also had a unique knack for the big picture. He’d often remind me to think about the future, nudging me to put aside money for retirement, always caring about our lives beyond work. For him, looking out for others wasn’t a duty—it was just who he was.

For those who didn’t know him as closely, I hope it’s clear what a beautiful soul he was. John was someone who lifted others up, who led by example, and who brought out the best in those around him. He leaves a legacy of compassion, friendship, and unwavering kindness that will live on in each of us.

John, thank you for the laughter, the guidance, and the love you shared so freely. You will be missed more than words can express.  See ya later.

John is loved by all who knew him. My connection is through the projection service and supply industry.  He was a respected service engineer with the old RCA Theater Service.  Rest in peace old friend.

I first met John when I was a manager of a tiny theatre in Frankfort KY.  From his first service call at my theatre, we became instant friends.  Soon, John rescued me from a career that was going nowhere.  He gave me the opportunity to learn, grow , and follow in his footsteps.

For the next 31 years, John and I worked together, traveled together, pulled all-night shifts together, got in trouble with our bosses together, and laughed together.  We were like brothers in many ways. 

John is reunited now, with friends and colleagues who have gone before us.  One day I will join him and together, we will keep the movies playing in heaven.

Rest in peace, my brother,
Roger Frazee

OBITUARY

John Ray Durliat

January 31, 1952 – November 1, 2024

Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home & Lynnhurst Cemetery

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