Obituary: David Durnan, Retired Somerville High Track Coach, Teacher, Guidance Counselor

The following is from Keefe Funeral Home.

David R. Durnan, 66, beloved husband of Barbara Stasiak and a lifelong resident of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014.

Loving son of the late William J. and Helen G. Durnan; brother to Bill and Jeri Durnan from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Betty and Wayne Flood from Litchfield, New Hampshire, Vivian and the late Jack O’Shea from Whitman, Jim and Linda Durnan from Wading River, New York, John and Ruthanne Durnan from Duxbury, Tom and Betsy Barr Durnan from Somerville, Bob Durnan of San Pedro, California, Carolyn Durnan from Lowell and Terry and Dick Sanders from Indialantic, Florida. He is also survived by his loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

David was a teacher, guidance counselor and track coach at Somerville High School until he retired in 2007. He was an inspiration to all that met him. David was a Medic in the Army National Guard for six years. He was a race car driver, airplane pilot (occasional helicopter pilot), classic car collector, skier and runner. Additionally, David was a lifelong music lover and played both the banjo and ukulele. He supported this passion through his membership in the Boston Bluegrass Union and Ukulele Union of Boston. David also enjoyed his monthly card games with the “Card Sharks.” In their free time, David and Barbara would relax at their retreat house in Chesterfield.

He will be forever missed by all his family and friends. A memorial visitation will be held at Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4-7 p.m. At 7 p.m., there will be a remembrance of David’s life for all who would like to share a story.

Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215 (www.bidmc.org); Somerville Homeless Coalition, PO Box 440436, Somerville, MA 02144 (www.somervillehomelesscoalition.org); or to an organization near and dear to your heart.