Montgomery County Sheriff John P. Durante has died. He was 60.
Durante, who dedicated his life’s work to being a public servant for Montgomery County, was the sheriff of Montgomery County for the past 10 years and had a distinguished 28-year career as a Montgomery County detective.
“John had the biggest heart of anyone you ever met,” said Tom Speers, solicitor for the Sheriff’s Department during Durante’s tenure. “I know of so many good things he did for people that no one else really knows about.”
Durante died unexpectedly early Wednesday morning at Montgomery Hospital.
“John was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to law enforcement. As Sheriff, he did a wonderful job serving the needs of the Court,” said Montgomery County President Judge Richard J. Hodgson. “We are all shocked and saddened by this news.”
“We’ve lost an unparalleled personality from the Court House,” Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Jim Matthews said. “He was driven and patriotic. Our hearts go out to his wife and family.”
Durante leaves his wife, Maria, daughters Christina and Deanna, and three grandchildren.
The family released a statement through Durante’s daughter NBC 10 reporter Deanna Durante:
"Our family can’t express how thankful we are for the support we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We are in awe of how many lives our dad touched. We take comfort knowing he had an impact on so many in Montgomery County and the law enforcement community.
"Dad was the guy always behind the camera capturing family moments and events. We have enclosed pictures of a few events where he was front and center."
