"Death is only the beginning - We love you every day and we will miss you every day"
With a very very heavy heart but with total acceptance of God's will, we announce the passing of our son, brother, nephew and friend, Francis Chukwuma Duru of Umunumo, Ehime Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria.
This memorial website is created in memory of our loved one, Francis Duru. Gone too Soon...We will remember him forever
Memorial Mass
Location: Holy Name Cathedral Chicago, Illinois
Address: 730 N. State Street, Chicago IL 60611 (parking available)
Date: Saturday, July 23, 2016
Time: 10.30am
Remembrance after mass; Share Memories & Stories
Location: Fourth Presbyterian Chicago, Illinois @ Anderson Hall
Address: 126 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago IL 60611
Time: 12.30pm - 4.00pm
Memorial Mass
Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Victoria Island, Lagos
Address: Musa Yar'Adua Street, Off Kofo Abayomi, VI, Lagos
Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Time: 3.30pm
Funeral Mass
Thursday, August 4th at St. Charles Catholic Church Umunumo, Ehime Mbano @ 10.30am
Private Internment thereafter @ his residence Umunumo, Ehime Mbano Imo State, Nigeria
Outing Service
Sunday, August 7th at St. Charles Catholic Church Umunumo, Ehime Mbano
I was deeply saddened to find this page and learn of Francis’ passing. Chinwe, tonight I was thinking fondly of those nights after work that I would stop by your place and eat with you both before Francis would walk me home. You two were my saving grace during an extremely difficult time! I will always remember with love the camaraderie we shared!
Francis' death was the greatest surprise to me. We met at the University of Ibadan in 1992. He had his cohorts, Mike Neri et al. We lived in a private residence, Mofa Palace.
Unknowingly to us, we were from the same village, Ehime Mbano. Eventually, Francis started calling me his uncle and I made him eat Igbo foods. He was very charming, lovely, cheerful and peaceful young man. Franco was wonderfully funny. Despite being young, Francis had completed his task on earth. The world has witnessed his character and love to humanity.
Adieu, you were wonderful!
Unknowingly to us, we were from the same village, Ehime Mbano. Eventually, Francis started calling me his uncle and I made him eat Igbo foods. He was very charming, lovely, cheerful and peaceful young man. Franco was wonderfully funny. Despite being young, Francis had completed his task on earth. The world has witnessed his character and love to humanity.
Adieu, you were wonderful!
A TRULY FRIENDLY AND FINE GENTLEMAN YOU WERE INDEED.
IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT FRANCIS, YOU WERE THE FIRST NIGERIAN I MET UPON ARRIVAL IN PENN STATE (HAPPY VALLEY) IN THE FALL OF 1995.
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN A VERY LIVELY CONVERSATION.
MAY GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS YOU AND ALL WHOM YOU EVER HELD DEAR TO YOUR HEART FOREVER, FOR ETERNITY… IN JESUS NAME.
IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT FRANCIS, YOU WERE THE FIRST NIGERIAN I MET UPON ARRIVAL IN PENN STATE (HAPPY VALLEY) IN THE FALL OF 1995.
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN A VERY LIVELY CONVERSATION.
MAY GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS YOU AND ALL WHOM YOU EVER HELD DEAR TO YOUR HEART FOREVER, FOR ETERNITY… IN JESUS NAME.
Rest in peace Francis. I only knew you from afar. Only heard good things about you. You left to soon. Chinwe and Emmanuel will miss you sorely. Sun Re, Sun re, Sun Re.
Francis,
It breaks my heart to know that you have departed this world. You were such an enigma, a great and amiable fellow. Just seeing your lovely smile and pictures, makes me realise that you are gone but the memories of you still stays on. Keep resting in the bosom of our Lord.
It breaks my heart to know that you have departed this world. You were such an enigma, a great and amiable fellow. Just seeing your lovely smile and pictures, makes me realise that you are gone but the memories of you still stays on. Keep resting in the bosom of our Lord.
Though we never met but i have heard alot of good things from my brother my friend Richard Okey.May your gentle soul RIP.
Francis,
You will be missed terribly. You passing has left a hole in so many hearts. We are stunned and left in disbelief .
God give Chinwe, Emmanuel and all who knew you, the fortitude to get through this unimaginable sadness. Rest in Peace.
You will be missed terribly. You passing has left a hole in so many hearts. We are stunned and left in disbelief .
God give Chinwe, Emmanuel and all who knew you, the fortitude to get through this unimaginable sadness. Rest in Peace.
Francis, my friend. Last we spoke was in FGCL back in the day , and you left an impression....despite the lengthy period we didn't see , I actually looked forward to the day we would inevitably meet up alas ...!! Rest in perfect peace Francis. You will be missed.
My dear Francis
We were buddies all the way from FGCL to UI. Festac Town road dawgs. You always lit up the room. Always jovial. Never a dull moment. I was devastated to hear the news. You are sorely missed. May God continue to keep your family. We take solace in the knowledge that You are resting in peace with God.
Adieu Friend !!
We were buddies all the way from FGCL to UI. Festac Town road dawgs. You always lit up the room. Always jovial. Never a dull moment. I was devastated to hear the news. You are sorely missed. May God continue to keep your family. We take solace in the knowledge that You are resting in peace with God.
Adieu Friend !!
2016
"Francis,
I struggled to pen something together for so long,because I refused to accept you were truly gone. From primary school to your days at FGCL and then your QVD days at UI, you were such a delightful friend and I took it for granted that you will always be around.
Your departure has once again reminded me that our time here on earth is limited .Indeed we have to be purposeful to make our mark whilst we can. May God comfort Chinwe, Emmanuel and everyone you left behind. It still feels surreal! Adieu!!!"
"Francis,
I struggled to pen something together for so long,because I refused to accept you were truly gone. From primary school to your days at FGCL and then your QVD days at UI, you were such a delightful friend and I took it for granted that you will always be around.
Your departure has once again reminded me that our time here on earth is limited .Indeed we have to be purposeful to make our mark whilst we can. May God comfort Chinwe, Emmanuel and everyone you left behind. It still feels surreal! Adieu!!!"
Our Heartfelt Sympathy,
On that faithful day, we heard of your passing. Unexpectedly, you have been snatched away from us. Together we cried for it was far too soon. We will miss your jokes, smile, and the gentle warmth that came from your heart. Though this saddens us, the joyful memories with you will remain.
Now, you will embark on this new journey that everyone must travel. Angels will guide and comfort you along the way. We know Heaven has prepared for your arrival. With the Lord’s favor, you will be welcomed. For you have been chosen by the Father to enter your true home.
Rest in Perfect Peace Francis!!!
From Uncle Chime, Aunty Rosie, Chime Jr., Elvy, Chigo & Chibu
On that faithful day, we heard of your passing. Unexpectedly, you have been snatched away from us. Together we cried for it was far too soon. We will miss your jokes, smile, and the gentle warmth that came from your heart. Though this saddens us, the joyful memories with you will remain.
Now, you will embark on this new journey that everyone must travel. Angels will guide and comfort you along the way. We know Heaven has prepared for your arrival. With the Lord’s favor, you will be welcomed. For you have been chosen by the Father to enter your true home.
Rest in Perfect Peace Francis!!!
From Uncle Chime, Aunty Rosie, Chime Jr., Elvy, Chigo & Chibu
Qvd
Shared by Mike Neri on 07/13/2016
We were boys turning into young men
We hit UI from Lagos and decided we wanted to form like voltron and be the ultimate party starters
Soroh, Biola, Slumpy, Bayode, myself, Olis and "Franco" as we called him morphed into QVD (quo Vadis)
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Raiders, Los Angeles kings, Oakland Raiders, Boston sox Baseball caps and actual baseball bats with umbrellas that morphed into walking sticks to follow we were the ultimate "East Coast family "boys to men "abc" "bbd" live in nigeria
All too fresh
Franco been the freshest (he was the youngest of us all)
We fought all the time but Francis was always the peaceful one
The man in everyone's middle to create peace in ur young hearts
Mofa palace: is where we all crashed
Franco and baye in one room
Biola and I in another right across from one another and Olis right opposite.
Soroh always perching with someone there so he might as well have lived there.
We were together daily for years (living together, school together, night time together, ate laughed argued loved - it was endless togetherness
I can't ever forget the kids laughter hiding behind them small specs that could Barely cover his face
Share
Shared by Mike Neri on 07/13/2016
We were boys turning into young men
We hit UI from Lagos and decided we wanted to form like voltron and be the ultimate party starters
Soroh, Biola, Slumpy, Bayode, myself, Olis and "Franco" as we called him morphed into QVD (quo Vadis)
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Raiders, Los Angeles kings, Oakland Raiders, Boston sox Baseball caps and actual baseball bats with umbrellas that morphed into walking sticks to follow we were the ultimate "East Coast family "boys to men "abc" "bbd" live in nigeria
All too fresh
Franco been the freshest (he was the youngest of us all)
We fought all the time but Francis was always the peaceful one
The man in everyone's middle to create peace in ur young hearts
Mofa palace: is where we all crashed
Franco and baye in one room
Biola and I in another right across from one another and Olis right opposite.
Soroh always perching with someone there so he might as well have lived there.
We were together daily for years (living together, school together, night time together, ate laughed argued loved - it was endless togetherness
I can't ever forget the kids laughter hiding behind them small specs that could Barely cover his face
Share
Francis, just as it was everybody else, the news of your departure came as a total and unexpected shock, completely.
Though it had been quite a while since we last saw each other but thanks to technology, we were constantly in touch and to actually remember the last times we spoke and what we spoke about re: your hopes and plans in the new dispensation etc.
It remains hard to believe that you are no longer here as part of us, the old crew. Those of us who met/ knew you from when we were in our late teens will definitely have our various recollections of you from our glorious undergrad days in Ibadan and I certainly have my own personal memories of the time and moments we shared together even outside the university gates but most of all, I remember you just as has been described, as a gentleman, always non-confrontational and most of all, a loyal friend.
Both my siblings, the older one who co-incidentally taught you and Chinwe some computer science during his NYSC year and my younger one are just as shocked and express their sympathy.
Our collective prayers and thoughts at this time are with Chinwe and Emmanuel and may God grant your family, friends and loved ones the needed succour and strength.
In the words of my favourite musician, Gil Scott-Heron -- “Peace to you, brother… don't seem to matter much now what I say …. But I manage to smile and I say: Peace go with you brother”
Francis, this season (as others) will pass but your memories shall remain. Rest well as you travel.
Abiola Sonubi
Though it had been quite a while since we last saw each other but thanks to technology, we were constantly in touch and to actually remember the last times we spoke and what we spoke about re: your hopes and plans in the new dispensation etc.
It remains hard to believe that you are no longer here as part of us, the old crew. Those of us who met/ knew you from when we were in our late teens will definitely have our various recollections of you from our glorious undergrad days in Ibadan and I certainly have my own personal memories of the time and moments we shared together even outside the university gates but most of all, I remember you just as has been described, as a gentleman, always non-confrontational and most of all, a loyal friend.
Both my siblings, the older one who co-incidentally taught you and Chinwe some computer science during his NYSC year and my younger one are just as shocked and express their sympathy.
Our collective prayers and thoughts at this time are with Chinwe and Emmanuel and may God grant your family, friends and loved ones the needed succour and strength.
In the words of my favourite musician, Gil Scott-Heron -- “Peace to you, brother… don't seem to matter much now what I say …. But I manage to smile and I say: Peace go with you brother”
Francis, this season (as others) will pass but your memories shall remain. Rest well as you travel.
Abiola Sonubi
My dear friend Francis Duru
It's been 30 years since I knew you
From secondary school in FGCL
You did your best to look out for me well
Our conversations about comics, home cooking and movies
Doing what we could to pass the time and those dreaded boarding house duties
We were just kids without a care for tomorrow
Never knowing i would one day write this with sorrow
In 2013 I was happy to reunite with you after so long
Who would have known a few years later you would be gone
Though in pain I refuse to cry
For if you knew Francis you would know why
Full of confidence with an infectious laugh, a big heart and a bright mind,
Till we meet again my brother in due time!
It's been 30 years since I knew you
From secondary school in FGCL
You did your best to look out for me well
Our conversations about comics, home cooking and movies
Doing what we could to pass the time and those dreaded boarding house duties
We were just kids without a care for tomorrow
Never knowing i would one day write this with sorrow
In 2013 I was happy to reunite with you after so long
Who would have known a few years later you would be gone
Though in pain I refuse to cry
For if you knew Francis you would know why
Full of confidence with an infectious laugh, a big heart and a bright mind,
Till we meet again my brother in due time!
Francis!!!
Heard the news with shock and disbelief!
And I asked myself and no one in particular could this be true?
Alas that is the sad and hard fact of life. Seen today gone tomorrow. Your calm exterior and peaceful countenance all the times I met you is all the memory I have of you. May your gentle soul rest in peace.
God will give Chinwe and Emmanuel and the entire Duru family the fortitude to bear this loss.
Adieu Francis God Knows best.
Heard the news with shock and disbelief!
And I asked myself and no one in particular could this be true?
Alas that is the sad and hard fact of life. Seen today gone tomorrow. Your calm exterior and peaceful countenance all the times I met you is all the memory I have of you. May your gentle soul rest in peace.
God will give Chinwe and Emmanuel and the entire Duru family the fortitude to bear this loss.
Adieu Francis God Knows best.
Francis, May your soul rest in peace. So sad to hear this news, but I know your spirit will continue to live with us.
Chinwe and Emmanuel, my condolences to you both. Our prayers and heart goes to you as you deal with the loss of your beloved brother. We love you all.
Chinwe and Emmanuel, my condolences to you both. Our prayers and heart goes to you as you deal with the loss of your beloved brother. We love you all.
Adieu Beloved Francis Chukwuma Duru
Ocean of tears welled out from all of us in my family when we heard the news of your departure into the great beyond so early.
Our God of infinite mercy and love is the author of the life in us.
We pray to Him to grant you eternal life in Heaven on Judgment Day.
To your sister and brother, we pray to God to grant them peace and abundant grace to bear your departure till we meet again in Heaven.
Adieu Francis Chukwumh Duru.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.
Ocean of tears welled out from all of us in my family when we heard the news of your departure into the great beyond so early.
Our God of infinite mercy and love is the author of the life in us.
We pray to Him to grant you eternal life in Heaven on Judgment Day.
To your sister and brother, we pray to God to grant them peace and abundant grace to bear your departure till we meet again in Heaven.
Adieu Francis Chukwumh Duru.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.
Adieu Beloved Francis Chukwuma Duru
Ocean of tears welled out from all of us in my family when we heard the news of your departure into the great beyond so early.
Our God of infinite mercy and love is the author of the life in us.
We pray to Him to grant you eternal life in Heaven on Judgment Day.
To your sister and brother, we pray to God to grant them peace and abundant grace to bear your departure till we meet again in Heaven.
Adieu Francis Chukwumh Duru.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.
Ocean of tears welled out from all of us in my family when we heard the news of your departure into the great beyond so early.
Our God of infinite mercy and love is the author of the life in us.
We pray to Him to grant you eternal life in Heaven on Judgment Day.
To your sister and brother, we pray to God to grant them peace and abundant grace to bear your departure till we meet again in Heaven.
Adieu Francis Chukwumh Duru.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.
Like A Hue of Grace,
You Blossomed and Flourished.
Like A Spark of Lightning,
You Blazed A Trail like No Other.
And Like A Soaring Eagle,
You left Us in Great Wonder.
Adieu Francis!
Rest in Perfect Peace.
You Blossomed and Flourished.
Like A Spark of Lightning,
You Blazed A Trail like No Other.
And Like A Soaring Eagle,
You left Us in Great Wonder.
Adieu Francis!
Rest in Perfect Peace.
Francis Duru, You were loved by many, and arguably the most positive person I have ever met. I am glad I met you when I did and our friendship flourished since then. You aren't here with us in body anymore, but you will live forever in my heart and I will cherish all the amazing memories we had together. May your soul rest in perfect peace. My prayers also to my beloved sister, Chinwe Duru and brother Emanuel Duru. May God continue to bless you both. It's not goodbye but, until we meet again brother.
Francis gone too soon. I think with my tribute, I have come to accept the bitter truth of your passing unto glory. I will forever miss your calm words, your comforting hugs and your unparalleled brotherly love. I loved, still loves you so much but God loves you much much more. Glory be to you Almighty and all knowing God. Amen!!
Goodbye my dear, until we meet to part no more.
Goodbye my dear, until we meet to part no more.
" Every soul will taste of death.... the life of this world is but comfort of illusion"..... Arrivederci Francis ..... till we meet again,
Francis, my brother. Each time I think about you, even now, it is always with a smile. Only a fool would remain angry with you even though you will test the patience and love of your friends because that's Francis, the Francis we all love dearly because we all know that you are all love and innocence. A sweet soul, a friend and brother. I still remember seeing you for the first time after so many many years and we chatted like we had seen each other the day before. It was pure, it was honest, it was brotherly affection. I cried on the train all the way home when I heard but I got home and I smiled because you always made everyone feel better.
My brother and friend how sad to hear you have left us all. I know you are fully in God presence. Rest tight bro till we meet again
Chinwe and Emmanuel - sending you my deepest condolences. Francis is now resting peacefully in the bosom of our Lord and Savior. May God give you both the strength and fortitude to bear this heavy loss. Please know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
"Rest well Francis. Your smooth talking, charisma and charm would be greatly missed.... gone too soon...May God comfort and give Chinwe, Emmanuel, the Duru Family, loved ones,friends, colleagues and everyone you have touched with your gentle heart the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.. Adieu for now my brother till we meet again...."
My dearest Francis; We remember you for so much joy, fun and laughter that you brought to many lives. It seemed you knew time here on earth was short, so you lived your time light-kindheartedly and impacted all of us. You will be missed in my home. You left and indelible mark on our friends when you were Best man at Uche's wedding in 1996 because they still remembered when I mentioned your name.
Rest in the bosom of Christ where there is no more "wahala".
Chinwe and Emmanuel my dear, God is still in charge and will surely comfort you. Remember I am always here for you!!
Rest in the bosom of Christ where there is no more "wahala".
Chinwe and Emmanuel my dear, God is still in charge and will surely comfort you. Remember I am always here for you!!
Dear Francis, Like everyone else, Lori and I received the news of your passing with utter and boundless shock. There aren't really any suitable words except to say that we'll miss you. I'll miss you.
Chinwe and Emmanuel, I'm sorry, in so many ways. Peace.
Chinwe and Emmanuel, I'm sorry, in so many ways. Peace.
May your soul continue to RIP. Still in shock on the news that we will never party and have fun all together again. Adieu!
Rest in peace, Francis. Your boundless energy will be missed by us all. Chinwe and Emmanuel may God continue to comfort you during this very difficult time.
Yes Francis it is exactly a year ago when you visited me in Frankfurt/Germany, probably to take the last glimpse of you.Even when I informed you that I would be going home later and asked you the possibility of our meeting at home, you humorously and jokingly answered me which I couldnt however decipher. Oh death how cunning and wicked are thou ! Man is seen today and tomorrow seen no more.
Bye Francis .
This is a call every being must answer. But your call came too soon.May the Almighty have mercy and grant you a place on His bossom. Rest in Peace Francis and may the souls of your parents Eugene and Veronica Duru and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace . Amen
Bye Francis .
This is a call every being must answer. But your call came too soon.May the Almighty have mercy and grant you a place on His bossom. Rest in Peace Francis and may the souls of your parents Eugene and Veronica Duru and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace . Amen
Bro. I had just looked at my phone and said "hey! I haven't chatted with Francis in a while". I locked up my phone and went to work. I didn't send the message. Later that morning Armani buzzed me to tell me you had left us...You were my best friend, we had a falling out, you still reached out to me. We were friends again, I didn't know it would be a brief reunion. I would have chatted with you everyday if I knew this would happen. Rest in peace bro. I miss you a lot.
Franco Nero,
My brother. My most faithful friend. You, who believed in me when I doubted myself. You, who reached out to me when no one else would. You, who looked at in me in a light that I didn't look at myself. You, who cried at the airport the day I left Nigeria when we were kids. I will always love you, my brother. May your soul rest in peace and may God bless and protect your family. I will see you again soon, Franco.
My brother. My most faithful friend. You, who believed in me when I doubted myself. You, who reached out to me when no one else would. You, who looked at in me in a light that I didn't look at myself. You, who cried at the airport the day I left Nigeria when we were kids. I will always love you, my brother. May your soul rest in peace and may God bless and protect your family. I will see you again soon, Franco.
Francis, I knew you as a little boy, my student in Lagos. The memory of my student Francis I can always recall. Rest in peace till we meet in the Lord. Mr Osuagwu. Your ever cherished House Master and Mentor for ever.
Chukwuma Francis Duru, Farewell
Our hearts have been bleeding
Since Yours stopped.
Too far away to start it beating again.
No forewarning. No hints to get ready.
A better name, you could not have had
Chukwuma!
That was the prophetic characterization of your short life
By your parents Vero and Gene Duru.
While grieving your untimely
Much very untimely exit
We remember you fondly
For everything that connected us
For all the moments we shared together.
We are grateful for all your caring, love, understanding,
Wit, laugh, company and for not holding back the emotions
And for being just all you were!
Whether our roads will cross again
Chukwu ma – and in whatever form ever.
There are so many things you still wanted to accomplish.
We do not know whether you will
Continue working on them over there
Or whether you will send a string of ToDos
To those you left behind to accomplish them in your name.
With a heavy heart and humble submission
To what we cannot change
We bid you FAREWELL AND REST IN PEACE.
Ada, Chima, Auntie Gaby and Uncle Enyeribe.
Our hearts have been bleeding
Since Yours stopped.
Too far away to start it beating again.
No forewarning. No hints to get ready.
A better name, you could not have had
Chukwuma!
That was the prophetic characterization of your short life
By your parents Vero and Gene Duru.
While grieving your untimely
Much very untimely exit
We remember you fondly
For everything that connected us
For all the moments we shared together.
We are grateful for all your caring, love, understanding,
Wit, laugh, company and for not holding back the emotions
And for being just all you were!
Whether our roads will cross again
Chukwu ma – and in whatever form ever.
There are so many things you still wanted to accomplish.
We do not know whether you will
Continue working on them over there
Or whether you will send a string of ToDos
To those you left behind to accomplish them in your name.
With a heavy heart and humble submission
To what we cannot change
We bid you FAREWELL AND REST IN PEACE.
Ada, Chima, Auntie Gaby and Uncle Enyeribe.
Francis,
Why?
There are a lot you left behind that you only could have given the best of your attention...... quite shocking to read of your passing-on....... surely we assume the Lord God's wish is supreme and will surly have you in his peaceful bosom place.....RIP
Why?
There are a lot you left behind that you only could have given the best of your attention...... quite shocking to read of your passing-on....... surely we assume the Lord God's wish is supreme and will surly have you in his peaceful bosom place.....RIP
Rest in peace, Francis. Always able to connect with people on many different levels. You will always be remembered with cherished and fond memories.
I write this with great sadness over the unimaginable loss of my brother, friend, cousin, nephew, Francis Chukwuma Duru, the first son of our Late brother Dr. Eugene Duru who just passed on..This is a tragic news to Umununmo ndi nwe m..I pray the Almighty God will give the family and the entire people of Umunumo the strength and grace to bear this huge lost..May his gentle soul RIP AMEN...
Francis, I do not think that I have met you in person but I am well knowledgeable of your parents' (Chief & Chief Mrs. Eugene Duru) benevolent gestures to humanity, esp. UMU-NUMO, if not, Ehime-Mbano in general. It's painful to mark your exit because we deem it, with our limited minds, to be early... Who blames us for being Human...? It is the reason for the tears, denial, and refusal of many that you are gone. Adieu my brother! May God's uplifting Light shine on your path to Paradise. Find peace in God's bosom! Amen. Fr. Isidore-Splendour, S.J.
Am speechless,dumb,numbed.if I was told that such a news is gonna reach Duru family and Ezenma in entirety,I wouldn't believe it....be as it may,may his soul rest in peace,Amen
Am so confused when I had that you are know more brother Francis. Your death is a blow to the entire Umueze-Ama Umunumo. But God knows why. May the good lord grant you enternal rest. Amen.
Dear Francis, it is so hard to believe!!!.. We want to scream why? how? but we cannot question God. We bless God for your life and for the love that you shared with friends and family. Looking at all your photos brings tears to my eyes.. but we take solace by telling ourselves that "It is well". Rest easy, finest boy.. May your soul rest in perfect peace. My darling Chinwe and Emmanuel, we love you, may God comfort you at this very difficult time.
“Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!”
― Henry Scott Holland
― Henry Scott Holland
Adieu Francis
May our good God show you Mercy even in death.
May your gentle soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in perfect peace. Amen!
May our good God show you Mercy even in death.
May your gentle soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in perfect peace. Amen!
I never imagined that someday and in such a brief moment I would be writing an epitaph in memory of my own young blood and beloved brother. Death is cruel, death is unimaginably insensitive, death knows no bounds.
Francis Chukwuma Duru, may the good Lord bless your soul my beloved brother and my boss. We will mourn you till the light fades on our side.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; we are one in life and death.
#RestInPeace
Francis Chukwuma Duru, may the good Lord bless your soul my beloved brother and my boss. We will mourn you till the light fades on our side.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; we are one in life and death.
#RestInPeace
Its so hard to say Goodbye but who am i to question God.Your death has made me re evaluate my life and all i can say is that All is Vanity...we your loved ones have felt the sorrow of losing you but i am rest assured that as the Sun rises I know you are resting in Gods arm.Sleep on "My Best Cousin and Confidant.Till we meet to part no more.Love u always
Small Chinwe.
Small Chinwe.
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Recent Tributes
I was deeply saddened to find this page and learn of Francis’ passing. Chinwe, tonight I was thinking fondly of those nights after work that I would stop by your place and eat with you both before Francis would walk me home. You two were my saving grace during an extremely difficult time! I will always remember with love the camaraderie we shared!
Francis' death was the greatest surprise to me. We met at the University of Ibadan in 1992. He had his cohorts, Mike Neri et al. We lived in a private residence, Mofa Palace.
Unknowingly to us, we were from the same village, Ehime Mbano. Eventually, Francis started calling me his uncle and I made him eat Igbo foods. He was very charming, lovely, cheerful and peaceful young man. Franco was wonderfully funny. Despite being young, Francis had completed his task on earth. The world has witnessed his character and love to humanity.
Adieu, you were wonderful!
Unknowingly to us, we were from the same village, Ehime Mbano. Eventually, Francis started calling me his uncle and I made him eat Igbo foods. He was very charming, lovely, cheerful and peaceful young man. Franco was wonderfully funny. Despite being young, Francis had completed his task on earth. The world has witnessed his character and love to humanity.
Adieu, you were wonderful!
A TRULY FRIENDLY AND FINE GENTLEMAN YOU WERE INDEED.
IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT FRANCIS, YOU WERE THE FIRST NIGERIAN I MET UPON ARRIVAL IN PENN STATE (HAPPY VALLEY) IN THE FALL OF 1995.
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN A VERY LIVELY CONVERSATION.
MAY GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS YOU AND ALL WHOM YOU EVER HELD DEAR TO YOUR HEART FOREVER, FOR ETERNITY… IN JESUS NAME.
IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT FRANCIS, YOU WERE THE FIRST NIGERIAN I MET UPON ARRIVAL IN PENN STATE (HAPPY VALLEY) IN THE FALL OF 1995.
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN A VERY LIVELY CONVERSATION.
MAY GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS YOU AND ALL WHOM YOU EVER HELD DEAR TO YOUR HEART FOREVER, FOR ETERNITY… IN JESUS NAME.
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Francis with A. Sonubi (Ibadan 1992)
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Qvd
We were boys turning into young men
We hit UI from Lagos and decided we wanted to form like voltron and be the ultimate party starters
Soroh, Biola, Slumpy, Bayode, myself, Olis and "Franco" as we called him morphed into QVD (quo Vadis)
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Raiders, Los Angeles kings, Oakland Raiders, Boston sox Baseball caps and actual baseball bats with umbrellas that morphed into walking sticks to follow we were the ultimate "East Coast family "boys to men "abc" "bbd" live in nigeria
All too fresh
Franco been the freshest (he was the youngest of us all)
We fought all the time but Francis was always the peaceful one
The man in everyone's middle to create peace in ur young hearts
Mofa palace: is where we all crashed
Franco and baye in one room
Biola and I in another right across from one another and Olis right opposite.
Soroh always perching with someone there so he might as well have lived there.
We were together daily for years (living together, school together, night time together, ate laughed argued loved - it was endless togetherness
I can't ever forget the kids laughter hiding behind them small specs that could Barely cover his face
Really kind soul..........
I remember the time Francis came home to Nigeria after so long away. He came to visit and met my then only-son, who was special needs! Francis and I spoke about so many things, particularly life's experiences! He picked up on my fears for my son and his future and realy encouraged me and assured me that he would be fine! I really appreciated that knowing he had come through a lot (the loss of both his parents)...to still be able to reach out...he showed so much empathy! What really endeared him to me that day was that he so connected with my son on such a level...having quite a conversation with him! Most people would normally not engage my son (the way Francis did that day) based on the assumption that his skills in this area were limited. However, Francis, being who he is, connected with my son and it was truly beautiful to watch them. God bless you, Francis, for that day...for spending time with us, particularly my son, and for playing with him and treating him with such respect and dignity..just by being so normal and easy with him...truly a gentle and kind soul....
I am also so grateful for the opportunity to re-connect with Francis at Chinwe's wedding. Those were truly happy times (Francis even helped us find our son who kept on getting lost wandering off to feed his fascination with video games...)! It was really fun being there and I will always cherish those memories, particularly the wonderful speech he gave for Chinwe...his love, respect and admiration for his sister (as well as his acknowledgement of her role in his and Emmanuel's lives, and his gratitude to her for taking on the role of mother and father on the tragic loss of their parents) was so evident and clear for all to see. Yet another trait of his was made evident that day...that he is a very sensitive person...a unique and beautiful soul.....
Francis, we hold on to our memories of you! Thank you for being truly good, truly kind! I pray you are at peace with God who loves you most....
We love you. God bless you!!!
Florence (Flo)