Obituary of Robert E. Durrant

DURRANT, ROBERT E. , April 26, 2016 (1946 – 2016) Respected attorney, lifelong scholar, champion badminton player, ruthless basketball player, beloved husband and friend, passed away on April 26, 2016. Bob was born on October 5, 1946, in Shreveport, LA to the late Edith and Robert. He grew up in Hilton, New York, graduating from Hilton Central High School, where his keen intellect first presented a challenge to his teachers. He graduated from Allegheny College and spent four years as a high school history teacher, but Bob remained a scholar and teacher his entire life. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Bob practiced Labor and Employment Law for over 35 years with the City of Pittsburgh and in private practice. He was a managing partner of Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebenek & Eck and ultimately was a founding partner of the firm Campbell, Durrant, Beatty, Palombo & Miller, P.C. Bob was a preeminent attorney in the field of Public Sector Labor and Employment Law representing municipalities and counties throughout the Commonwealth. He was instrumental in the development of new and innovative programs benefiting governmental entities and educating their appointed and elected officials. He was honored by the Pennsylvania Municipal League and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania for his efforts. He was a gifted speaker, advocate and counselor who counted many of his clients as his friends. Bob was a voracious reader and acquirer of knowledge. From history to geology, Dante to Calvin and Hobbes, Bob wanted a deeper understanding of our World and those who inhabit it. As a staunch advocate of rational and educated governance, Bob was a keen observer of and witty commentator on our political processes. But Bob's nose was not always buried in books. Bob satisfied his adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity by traveling far and wide to experience new cultures, whether climbing mountains in Borneo, scuba diving in Belize, trekking along the Amazon or rafting in Alaska, to name a few. He also sought respite from the practice of law closer to home in lunch time "full contact" basketball games at the downtown YMCA. Above all, Bob was a friend and mentor to so many. He and his late wife, Sally Durrant, cultivated friends as others cultivate gardens. High school classmates, former students, partners and clients felt privileged to be in that circle. And even though he could send many searching for their dictionaries or historical texts to understand some of his writings and references, all benefited from his wit, intellect and even his sarcasm. Bob kept The Lone Ranger's Creed at his desk which included "I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one". He lived up to that challenge. After Sally's passing, Bob was blessed to find love, laughter, comfort and friendship again with his wife, Maria Durrant. Bob and Maria took advantage of their precious time together to continue to explore in Italy, Poland, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, England, France, Israel and Hawaii and to joyfully enjoy each other's company and the company of their friends and family, as well as new friends they made during their travels. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Durrant. He leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife, Maria; stepson, Joseph Verardi; brothers, Mike (Donna) and Steve (Lynn); five nieces and nephews; and eight great-nieces and nephews. Contributions may be made in memory of Bob to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110 or to Neighborhood Legal Services Association, 928 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh., PA 15222.