Brian E. Durr, I

Brian Edward Durr sunrise was March 11, 1958, and his sunset was February 18, 2022. Born to Mary Lee (Stevens) Durr and Moses Durr at Memorial hospital in Albany, NY, Brian was the sixth child of nine. All nine were born to this same union. He attended Albany public schools until he entered Milne high school in Albany, NY. He received a Who's Who in American School Scholarship to Union College in Schenectady, New York, for three years before earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Empire State College.  

Brian fell in love with Star Trek and Si-Fi in general as a child. This love lasted throughout his life. As a confirmed Trekkie, he wrote several stories in his twenties with hopes of submitting his content to the producers of several Star Trek spin-off productions. Brian loved music from Parliament Funkadelic to the best of R&B. One of his favorite songs was Chubb Rock's "Treat Em Right." When that song was played, you best believe that Brian would cut a rug with a larger-than-life smile on his face. 

He was an avid New York Giants fan and wore Giant gear whenever possible. He attended several games with his brothers and nephews, always making the road trips fun and memorable. Win, lose, or Draw, he was a diehard fan and did not care what anybody thought about it.

Brian attended the Albany Boys club in his youth, where he was known for his pool skills. He was one of the best players at the Albany branch and could be seen playing for hours as king of the hill because very few could defeat him. The "Club" was a large part of his younger years, creating lifelong friendships and a love of games.  

Brian took to video games in his twenties. He spent countless hours playing on PlayStation and several of the early gaming system. He would often play video game tournaments with his son, Brian Durr II, and nephews Moses Durr, Bernard Ayers Jr. (BJ), Charles Durr(Chuck), and William Durr(Terrance).  

Brian was employed by the New York State Capital District (DDSO), retiring after over thirty (30) years for Oswald D. Heck Developmental Center in Niskayuna, NY-a s a  supervisor to enjoy life with family and friends. During these years and after retirement, Brian loved to do taxes for others. He dubbed himself a "Tax Pimp," joking with family and friends about how he "slapped" the IRS around. Brian's fantastic sense of humor was a true gift that will be missed. 

Brian was the proud father of Brian Edward Durr II (Katie) and Chantalle Renee Durr (from his first marriage to Marie Placide Durr) and stepfather to Nadia A. Ibrahim (from Dawn's first marriage).   One of Brian's exemplary characteristics was that he saw no difference in the children. If he talked about one, he talked about them all with great pride, joy, and admiration. He was an excellent father to his children, a loving grandfather to granddaughter Miriam (known as Mia), and grandson Brian Edward Durr III (whom he lovingly nicknamed B3). 

Brian loved spending time with his family. He had breakfast with Percy, Darnell, and Wayne several times a week and spoke to his siblings daily. He attended most family events, from birthday parties for nieces and nephews to Danny Stevens and Darren Durr's sidewalk cook-outs. He loved all his siblings dearly and spoke of them with great admiration. He was also close to his brothers-in-law.  

Brian wed Dawn Michele Johnson in June of 2013. He was a loving, supportive, giving, selfless, gentle, and caring husband during their union. Though they drove each other crazy, Brian always found a way to smooth things over, mostly with just a smile.

Brian loved the Lord. He was a member of the Metropolitan Church family. One of his favorite songs was "My God is Awesome." One of Brian's proudest moments was when he sang with the Male Chorus on Mother's Day in honor of his mother. In addition, Brian volunteered at Metro's food pantry and loved helping others with a huge smile on his face. Brian was an extraordinary father, loving husband, a good friend, a great brother, the fun Uncle, and an awesome son-in-law. He left a lasting impact on many lives and will be truly missed.

In addition to his children, beloved wife, and beautiful grandbabies, celebrating his Life and Legacy are his siblings Percy Durr, Darnelle Durr, Brenda Ayers (Bernard), Marlese Durr, Wayne Durr, Diane Nobles (Curtis), Darren Durr (Pat), Sandra Graham (Leroy), and Donis Thompson. Also celebrating his life are his Honorary son Sean Smith, "Miss Shirley Moseley," mother-in-law Betty L. Johnson, Grandmother-in-law Vella Nelson, Brothers-in-law Corey Johnson (Rakeya) and Shawn Johnson and a Host of nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle "B" and other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Moses and Mary Lee Durr and his Aunt Margaret Stevens-Wyatt, and a host of other Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.

Brian, you are loved and will be missed.

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