Roseann Duran of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away on January 15, 2024, at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with cancer. A truly vibrant and unique person, Roseann adored her family, cherished her many friends, and found joy in the company of her beloved dogs.
Roseann was born near Pittsburgh, PA, on October 5, 1951, to the late Edward and Anna Marie (Defino) Duran. She graduated from Penn State University in 1973 and began her impressive career at Barnett Banks, Inc. in Jacksonville, FL. Roseann worked her way up at the bank, eventually becoming the first female officer in the history of Barnett Banks, Inc. She held the titles of Director of Community Relations and Director of Barnett’s Print and Media Marketing. In these roles, she was instrumental in the founding and development of the non-profit Take Stock in Children and was responsible for all of Barnett’s community involvement and charitable giving. For more than two decades, she was well known within the organization as a powerful promoter of the Barnett brand throughout the state of Florida until she retired from banking in 1997.
While advancing her career at Barnett, Roseann earned an MBA from the University of North Florida and a degree from the prestigious Stonier Graduate School of Banking within the Wharton School of Business. She joined the leadership team at Website Pros, which later changed its name to Web.com after an acquisition. She entered the company as the Chief Marketing Officer in 2002, but in 2010, a unique title of Chief People Officer was created for Roseann. Although she was a terrific marketing officer, she flourished in her Chief People Officer role. Her stewardship of the interests of the Web.com team, including her interest in each and every person that she encountered, made her a powerful force for the company. Roseann remained in this role until her well-deserved retirement in 2019. Roseann commented that one of the highlights of her time with Web.com was when she was one of the executives who ceremoniously rang the closing bell at the stock exchange at Times Square's NASDAQ MarketSite in 2008.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Roseann was an active community builder and philanthropist. Her support of Jacksonville’s Wolfson Children’s Hospital is one of her most profound life accomplishments. Over the years, Roseann generously gave of her time and treasure to the hospital, including a major gift in 2015 to establish the Wolfson Children’s Pediatric Genetic & Molecular Medicine Endowment. This gift supported the growth and development of the genetics program, which has aptly been named in her honor and is now known as the Duran Genetics Center. Thanks to her support, vision, and partnership, the Duran Genetics Center has grown from a small team of one physician and a couple of genetics counselors to a comprehensive program with 16 team members, including two physicians, three nurse practitioners, three genetics counselors, nurses, dieticians, and support staff. In addition to her own giving, Roseann chaired the recent “Hope Starts Here” $60 million campaign, which raised critical capital funding to support service lines and programs at the hospital. Roseann had been a devoted Wolfson Children’s Board member since July 2013, served on the Social Responsibility & Community Health Board Committee for Baptist Health since 2019, and chaired the Wolfson Children’s Development Council from 2015-2022.
Roseann’s charitable work was not just reserved for Wolfson. Roseann served on the Board of Directors for Camp Boggy Creek from December 2013 through December 2021 and, at the time of her death, had been a member of the University Board of Trustees at Jacksonville University since 2017. She supported countless other causes and organizations and held each one close to her heart.
In addition to leaving an indelible mark on the world through her remarkable career and charitable endeavors, Roseann's enthusiasm for life extended into a tapestry of passions and connections. Her love of exploration led her to diverse corners of the world, creating a collection of travel memories that illuminated her adventurous spirit. Whether it was the picturesque landscapes of Europe, the vibrant markets of Asia, or the pyramids of Egypt, Roseann reveled in the exploration of new cultures, cuisines, and experiences.
Family and friends held the most special places in her heart, and her life was punctuated by joyous gatherings, or “Happy Hours,” as she called them, and shared moments that became essential to her being. From lively family holidays and events to intimate dinners with friends, Roseann's ability to infuse every occasion with warmth and laughter left a lasting imprint on all those who loved her.
As adept as she was at bringing people together, the tennis court became another stage for Roseann’s infectious warmth to shine. Tennis was more than a sport for Roseann; it was a source of joy and vitality. The matches in 100-degree heat and the camaraderie on the court shaped her love for the game. Whether competing fiercely or enjoying a leisurely match, Roseann's passion for tennis showcased her energetic and competitive spirit.
As a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and friend, Roseann's love knew no bounds. The routine acts of kindness, thoughtful gestures, and genuine care she extended to those around her came naturally. All who were fortunate enough to know her will feel the void left by her absence.
In commemorating Roseann's life, we honor not just her professional achievements but also the enduring legacy she leaves on the world, a testament to the true essence of her extraordinary life.
Roseann is survived by her brothers John (Kathy) Duran of Export, PA, Paul (Debbi) Duran of Ponte Vedra, FL, and Ed (Laura) Duran, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; nieces and nephews Gregory (Emily), Andy (Lisa), LeAna Kimball (Jake), Matthew (Melissa), Kimberly Lowman (Chad), Patrick (Erika), Joseph, and Elena; and great-nieces and great-nephews Canaan, Bella, Emma Grace, Kylee, Isabelle, Madelyn, Elsie, Berkeley, Anna, Josephine, and Amelia.
Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in the Chapel of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024, in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, with Rev. Matthew King as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Duran Genetics Center at Wolfson Children’s Hospital by visiting http://wolfsonchildrens.com/give. Select “Make a Gift,” then “Wolfson Children’s Duran Genetics Center” in the dropdown. You may also personalize your gift by selecting “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” and entering “Roseann Duran.”
Please visit her online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.
