SEAN BARTLEY DURAN's Obituary
Sean Bartley Duran, 49, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016, after a year long battle with a heart condition with his family by his side.
Sean was born on November 25, 1966 in Wilkinsburg, Pa. and raised in Monroeville and Stahlstown, Pa. He was the only child of Thomas and Clydene Duran who still reside there. His childhood experiences would foreshadow his career path as his father was an artist and taxidermist and Sean would often find himself in the Museum environment which would become his life’s work.
He is survived by his wife and closest confidant, Kathleen M. Duran and his beloved daughter, Bridget with whom he had a special bond. His parents, Thomas and Clydene Duran, his aunt Dolly Hodgson, cousins, Cynthia Hodgson, William Hodgson Jr. (Debbie), Will Hodgson III (Susan), Eric Hodgson, and Thomas Tomlinson. His mother in law Catherine Bordonali, brothers and sisters in law, John Bordonali (Terry), Frank Bordonali, Jeanne Williscroft (Glenn), James Bordonali (Vera), and Jacqueline Griggs (Kevin); his nephews and nieces, Bryan Williscroft, Erin Williscroft, Elena Bordonali, Andrea Bordonali, and Grace Griggs. His uncle William Hodgson Sr., his father in law Salvatore Bordonali, and his nephew Mario Bordonali predecease him.
An honors graduate of Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and design, Sean began his professional career at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia where he led content and design development teams interpreting research of the Academy’s Center for Systematic Biology and Evolution. These projects included the core development of significant permanent installations such as The Dig (1994), and Butterflies (1996), both of which were replicated by museums nationwide.
Sean loved collaborating with artists, and in 1995 he worked with one of the best—veteran Warner Brothers cartoon director Chuck Jones—to create an art and science exhibition, The Animated Animals of Chuck Jones. He also worked frequently with close friend and artist Ray Troll, creating exceptional exhibitions including the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia’s presentation of Dancing to the Fossil Record, various incarnations of Sharkabet and most notably Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches, a touring exhibition that has drawn over 2 million museum visitors in three countries.
In 1999, Sean joined Frost Science as an exhibition designer, and eventually became the Vice President of Exhibition and Design, responsible for the overall look and feel of the museum, its branding and exhibitions. Throughout his tenure he contributed creatively to programs and events, leading to the museum’s successes. Sean brought a powerful intellect, a potent creativity, and a fantastic sense of play to the workplace, all of which helped him create exhibits that wowed guests and made learning feel like an adventure you’d gladly take.
Sean loved museums, and loved making them better.
A Celebration of Sean Duran will be held Saturday, May 7th, 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Frost Museum of Science, 3280 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129.
Those wishing to make a contribution to honor Sean and continue his legacy are invited to donate to the Bridget Duran Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL. Please mail your check to: Bridget Duran Scholarship Fund, c/o Frost Museum of Science, 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
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