Christopher Paul Durney

Christopher Paul Durney, 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 3.  Son of the late Lawrence and Marie Picone Durney, Chris spent a happy childhood growing up in Hamden, CT with his seven brothers and sisters.

A life-long lover of education, Chris received his BA in Philosophy from Providence College, STB from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, MS in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, MBA from Marymout University, and PhD in Management Science, Technology and Innovation from George Washington University. 

Chris had an insatiable hunger for knowledge.  His natural curiosity led him to explore many diverse topics. He was always taking courses online, including the latest in physics, astronomy, and music.  He was a voracious reader, his bookshelves groaning with the weight of favorite books saved and new books yet to read.  He compiled a book, Fifty-One Flights of Books, when he was repeatedly asked by friends and colleagues for recommendations on what to read.  He was a published poet.

Chris was a teacher at heart, to his children, students, and colleagues.  He mentored so many, starting with teens in South Boston, advisees in high school, and colleagues at work.  His ability to think strategically was invaluable to his family, his colleagues, and the clients he served.

The center of Chris’ life was his family.  He and Peggy were married for 43 years. He showed her his love and devotion in so many ways, including presenting her with 57 sonnets he had written leading up to their wedding day, planning surprise birthday celebrations over the years, and buying gifts for no reason. His greatest gift to her was being the father of their four amazing children.  Chris loved his role of father and was proud of the children as they grew into caring and considerate adults. And he was delighted to be a grandfather (“Dotch”) to his grandsons, a new generation to read to, explore with, and love.

Chris is survived by Peggy; his children Luke, Kendra, Caitlin, Tessa; sons-in-law Sean and Michael; grandchildren Camden, Colson, Kyland, and due in September Anthony Paul; siblings John (Julie), Michael (Gracelaw), Peter (Beth), Mary, Katie (Carlos), Martin (Suzanne), Thomas (Christina); brother-in-law Chip (Vicki); sister-in-law Barbara; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD, from 6-8:30 pm on Thursday, August 25, and from 10-11:30 am on Friday, August 26.  The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am at St. John.  The service will be live-streamed at www.stjohnsmass.org. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to Room to Read (roomtoread.org).  This is a global non-profit organization founded on the belief that World Change Starts With Educated Children®. The organization focuses on working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, and governments to improve literacy and gender equality in education. We know Chris believed in the power of education and that it needed to start early.