Dennis Duran

Dennis Arnold Duran 70, a lifelong resident of Chimayo passed away on January 10, 2024.

Dennis was known in his little community of Potrero (Chimayo) as a “good guy”. He will be greatly missed by many.  He had such a good and loving heart, he was always offering his assistance because helping others and doing for others made him happy. He felt respected by the people he surrounded himself with and loved his family and friends dearly.

He was a loyal Denver Broncos fan (a passion he shared with his son Matthew), he enjoyed taking long walks on his favorite trail, eating green chile enchiladas from Rancho de Chimayo (Thank you Mrs. Jaramillo), going for wood, Cafecito and bomb fires with Patricio, fishing and visiting with his relatives and friends.  He was committed to keeping his “position” (as he would say) with Isidor Chavez and working as the “ranch hand” and tending to the cows.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose E. Duran Sr. and Eugenia Medina Duran, his biological mother, Esther L. Duran Martinez, granddaughter Alexandra Nicole Duran, brothers, Albert A. Duran, Jose Henry Duran Jr, Dennis Duran, sisters, Priscilla Duran, Marsha Duran, Shirley Martinez and a baby brother David Gilbert Martinez, brother in law, Andrew Mondragon, in-laws Lino and Stella Mondragon.  Raymond Chavez and Dennis C. Chavez, whom he considered as brothers.

He survived by his children, Matthew Brian Duran (Olivia) and Katherine Duran, and their mother Teresa Gonzales, grandsons, Ryan Duran (Erica), Matthew Duran Jr., Daniel Sanchez (Viviana), granddaughters, Brianna Duran-Romo, Marissa Duran, great granddaughters, Aubrey Duran, Lily Duran and great grandson, Axel Duran, sisters, Ruth Martinez, Darlene Vigil (David), Lorraine Suazo (Jake), Maggie Griego (Gilbert), Barbara Martinez (Victor), and Kimberly Avila (Henry), brothers, Daniel Martinez (Debbie), Michael Duran (Dora),  sister-in-law’s, Edna Duran, Cecilia Mondragon, and Lori Ann Serrano, brother in law’s, Robert Mondragon and Joseph Mondragon, and many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Dennis was fortunate to be loved and cared for by the Familia Chavez, which include his “buddy” Patricio Chavez and his wife Shana and their children and grandchildren. Also the following people whom checked on him daily include Patsy Chavez, Isidor Chavez, Santos Chavez, Claudette Chavez, Eric Chavez, Stephanie Chavez and Melissa Chavez.  We would also like to recognize Evie Chavez, and Erasmo Martinez (Eunice).  Words cannot express the gratitude Dennis’s children have for these individuals, and the many others who loved and respected him. It has been wonderful to read and hear the stories of our dad.

Dennis showed pride during the time he helped Levi Chavez, as a caretaker of the Santuario de Chimayo, where he would tease his daughter Kathy (and she believed it) and say he had the Holy dirt delivered from Jerusalem. “YEAH RIGHT”?

He definitely was a character and loved to laugh, joke and tell stories…. This short story may not capture the total essence of Dennis Arnold Duran, and we know he  lived life on his own terms, but loved people and loved his Chimayo (Potrero), we ask you all to continue to share your stories of Dennis, and to celebrate his life,  and his new journey with our Father in Heaven…

The family of Dennis Duran wishes to thank everyone for their phone calls, love and support.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11 AM at the El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church in Chimayo, NM.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com