Jose Luis Duran

Jose Luis Duran, Querido Esposo, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, Tata, Hermano, Tio, Amigo, Coach, Friend, Role-Model and Baseball Fanatic transitioned and came to rest Saturday May 15, 2021 at 3:15pm in the warmth of his home and family in La Puente, California.

Jose Luis was born on February 16, 1945 in Juarez, Chihuahua MX. Juntos con su mama Benigna y hermanos Beto, Sergio y Julietta, he spent his first 22 years working his way up by shining shoes, making sling shots, winning ping pong tournaments, selling marbles and hustling pool halls.

He met and married his beautiful co-worker, Catalina Pacheco in 1967. He cherished and treasured her. His decision to come to America in 1969 is the classic immigrant story of a noble hard-working man seeking a better life for himself and his new wife. He purchased his home in 1977 and settled in La Puente, Ca. where he lived up to his day of passing. His door always open to family and friends alike.

He was a joyful 76-year-young grouchy coffee drinker with beautiful hazel eyes that turned scary red when angered. A petulant exterior complimented with a fun-loving, jovial, tender heart. He was adored and revered for his virtues. He lived vicariously through the adventures of his kids and his tear-filled thunderous laugh often followed the play-by-play stories that they enjoyed sharing with him.

His life passions were his family, baseball, fishing, movies, storytelling, rock’n’roll music, classic cars, penny slots and his addictive lottery scratchers, though not always in that order.

His favorite foods were Café’ con Pan in the mornings and sometimes evenings sprinkled with pleasant conversation. He loved his home cooked Enchiladas Montadas, Chile Relleneos, Tacos de Cabeza, Caldo, Papas con Chile y Queso, and his own Chorizo con Frijoles accompanied with Tortillas de Harina. On occasion, he enjoyed a Tequila shot or two or a refreshing cold Cerveza served with Limon and Sal. Honorable mention to Kool Aid Lemonade Flavor. Homemade Salsa was a must with every meal including spaghetti. Yes, we agree.

Nicknames included Janny, Apa, Tio, Mr. Duran, Coach Duran, Ruquito, Chavo, Tata, Grandpa and Grumpy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years Catalina, his four children, Jose Luis Jr., Maricela, Eric, and Carlos, his four gifted children, daughters Mary Lou, Gabby, Cynthia, and son Adam. In addition, Jose Luis is also mourned by his eight precious grandchildren Vanessa and her fiancée Justin, Ciera, Eric Jr., Maricela, Evan, Jasmine, Alanna and Gianna along with great granddaughter Emma.

He will be missed by all the honorable souls that crossed his path.