SALEM – Mr. Ramon Duran, 72, of Salem, died unexpectedly, Thursday, June 13th, 2024 at Salem Hospital.

Born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, he was the son of the late Jesus Duran and Maria Filomena Rodriguez. He was raised and educated in the Dominican Republic. He immigrated to Massachusetts in the late 1970's early 1980's settling first in Massachusetts then moving to New York City.

As a young man in the Dominican Republic, he was an entrepreneur, owning his own livestock distribution business. Professionally during the 1980's, Mr. Duran was a proud New York City Taxi driver. He knew all of the street and roads throughout all five boroughs and truly took great pride in his ability to get his passengers to their destinations in great time.

Ramon was a talented musically in many ways. He expressed this God given gift through his playing of the accordion and through his ability to write and perform music. He had a deep passion for this talent and was well respected for his musical abilities. He relished time spent on stage performing with his band, Ramon Y Sus Muchachos. Creating music and taking in the joy others had from dancing and listening to his performances and conceptions gave him great satisfaction.

Raising roosters was a past time that Ramon enjoyed partaking in. As well as being involved in, debating and knowing everything about Dominican politics were passions he enjoyed. Yet above all else his family always came first. He was a loving papa y papi who will be deeply missed.

Ramon is survived by his wife, Josefina Marte Duran, his children, Natividad 'Nati' Duran of Salem, Alexandra Duran of Brooklyn, NY, Alexander Duran of Peabody and Jennifer Duran of Peabody, his grandchildren, Edwin Jr. and Emely Ortiz, Justin, Brandond and Matthew Tineo and Noah, Damian and Maiyah Duran, his great grandson, Saint Timeo, his siblings, Tina, Julio, Ramona and Rosina and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was the father of the late Richard Duran.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, Chestnut St., Peabody, Thursday, June 20th at 10:30 A.M. Relatives and friends invited to meet directly at the church. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Wednesday, June 19th from 5 to 8 P.M. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com