Bonifacio “Boni” Duran, age 91, passed away on April 7, 2022. He was a Colorado native and resident of Colorado Springs for over 50 years and can trace his family in Colorado back to 1857.
Bonifacio P Duran (Boni) was born in Denver on January 3rd, 1931 to Bonifacio Duran and Louisa M. (Lopez) Duran. He attended Saint Cajetan’s School and graduated in 1949 from Denver West High School.
Boni proudly served in the United States Navy from September 1949 to September 1953. He was stationed on the USS Princeton (CV-37), Squadron VF-193, as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate during the Korean War (1950-1953) and worked on F4U-4 Corsairs.
After his service in Korea, Boni married Elizabeth Ann Romero on November 21, 1954. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2017. They had two sons: Gary Eugene Duran and Gregory Paul Duran.
Boni worked in the engine shop at Peterson AFB for over 20 years. He also worked at Baker’s Shoe Store downtown and in the Citadel Mall, as well as Tandy Leather and Computer Renaissance. He volunteered for many years with a Colorado Springs bagpipe band, the Pikes Peak Highlanders, with his grandsons Justin and Kyle and his son Greg. He loved leatherworking, cheering for the Denver Broncos and the Denver Nuggets, and attending family get-togethers and veterans reunions. He was well known for his upbeat demeanor and wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his son Greg Duran (Teri Robnett), his grandsons Justin Duran (Amanda), Kyle Duran and Micah Becker (Mike), and his granddaughter Lauren Wachs (Robert) and three great-grandchildren (Matthew, Jennifer, Natalie), his sister Loretta as well as many friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife Elizabeth Duran (2017) and son Gary Duran (2022).
A memorial and entombment will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at noon at The Airplane Restaurant, 1665 Newport Rd, Colorado Springs, Colorado where non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers will be served. The family invites friends to join them in remembering and celebrating Boni’s life.
Bonnie Farley
18 Apr 2022I first met “Grandpa” years ago when he and his grandson Kyle were participating in the Scottish/Irish Festival in Estes Park, Colorado. They were in their bagpipe band. Grandpa was so happy and welcoming. Kyle and my older daughter have become long-time friends. I remember Grandpa’s big smile and infectious enthusiasm. My family is lucky to have met Grandpa and Kyle.
Norm & Colleen Crouch
19 Jun 2022I consider the Duran’s my family since I have known them since the fifth grade they were always like my second family and Gary and I were best friends and did everything together we will miss them all