Tony Duran

Uncle Tony Duran 12/1952-12/2022
Though it would be impossible to describe his larger than life persona in a few words, I do feel the need to try and say something about him that will encompass the impact he had on me.

My Uncle Tony was a real character. I always referred to him as the Roseville Tribune because he knew the gossip way before any newspaper. The first chance he got, we all knew we would get an update on everything with a quick phone call telling us -who did what, why, or when something was going down.

Growing up my uncle would always pick us up and take us to go eat. He loved spending time with the kids and would bribe us with candy, pizza, soda, just connect. We bonded over boxing and it became a family passion to watch just as much as football.
But I think despite all of the great memories the funniest, will always be when think back on is him purposely agitating each one of his siblings. I would see him say something he knew would get them going. Making my auntie bea so mad sometimes and just giggle it away afterwords.
He almost killed me one time changing my breaks wrong, as I drove off and they fell off. Needless to say I never asked him for help with my car again.

I had to save his life one time too. He almost drowned in the river when we placed my grandma’s ashes in the water. The current took him so quickly he almost went down stream before I dove in and got him to safety. (At least that’s how I will always remember it) saving my uncles life. He said “my mom wanted to take me with her!”

To be totally honest, I didn’t quite understand nor appreciate my uncle when I was a child, I thought everyone had this type of cool fantastic Uncle that loved to spend time with them too.
As soon as I had my own daughter I began to realized what an amazing person he was.
He was so excited to meet and hold Micalah. To pick her up and do the exact same things he did with me when I was her age.
And for her to have that relationship that we all got to experience is a wonderful thing.

I have been so lucky to have my uncle in my life. It was an honor and privilege to be his niece.

I have a ton of sweet memories about him, and I could go on telling his stories for days. But I know that would only cover an ounce of his life and it would still be an imperfect explanation of someone I loved so much.

Thinking of him not being here anymore is still very unbelievable…
He has always been this larger than life guy who knew everyone and whom everyone knew…but here’s what brings me some comfort…he lived a pretty awesome life and had so many nieces and nephews that all thought of him as their second dad… his last days were spent with the people he loved the most, eating his favorite foods, and listening to his favorite songs…

As we have lost more and more members of our family: My Grandpa; my grandma; my Uncle Marcello, My auntie Lucy, Elisa, Jessica, and now Uncle Tony….
I have gotten this image in my head…
It’s of My grandma sitting in front of the kitchen window looking outside, she is making some red enchiladas and green chili and the house is warm and smells like chili, my grandpa is rocking himself in the recliner looking out the other window in the living room.
It’s the busyness and the in and outs like it use to be…I hear laughter and loud voices over some music…Some of our family have arrived a little early and my grandma has waved them inside…
they are just waiting for the rest of us to get there…but there is no need for us to hurry or rush to get to them…we have our lifetime…We’ll all get there eventually to see them..
I love love love you Uncle Tony….
Rest in peace and Paradise and when you get home give them all the biggest hug you can to everyone who got home before you….and in your famous words …”save me a plate”