Gerard Charles Durr; Adoption Attorney

Gerard Charles Durr, a retired attorney, has died at the age of 80.

Durr, who died Monday at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, was born Nov. 1, 1919, in Astoria, N.Y.

He grew up in New York and went on to graduate from Fordham University there and later from Fordham’s law school.

In 1942, he became an officer in the Navy and served in the Pacific on the Essex, in Washington, D.C., and in the Seventh Naval District’s legal office.

After his stint in the Navy, he married Katherine Flynt in Atlanta in 1946. The couple moved to Garden City, N.Y.

He practiced law for more than 40 years, serving as the adoption attorney for Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn, the Catholic Home Bureau and Catholic Charities of New York.

The Durrs moved to Ventura after his retirement in 1997.

He liked to listen to Russian music, jazz and a good philosophical debate. He was active in his church and sang in the choir for more than 20 years.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Durr is survived by daughter Kerry Roscoe of Ventura and two granddaughters.

A funeral Mass is scheduled today at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura with Father John Higgins officiating.

Burial will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angel Guardian Children and Family Services, 6301 12th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.