Robert W. Duarte, Sr., 69, of New Bedford died April 12, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
He was the husband of Victoria (Costa) Duarte.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antonio Duarte and Eunice (Watkins) Duarte Carter, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Duarte was formerly employed as a maintenance supervisor in the medical industry for many years until retirement.
He served in the U.S. Army for 21 years. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 4 O/S Service Bars and Expert Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle.
Mr. Duarte was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association where he served as a member of the color guard and the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, Carney Lodge #200. He was a board member of the Bisca Tournament Club.
He enjoyed playing bisca, poker and bowling.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert Duarte, Jr. and his wife Kerin of Raynham; 2 daughters, Karen Hopkins and her husband Clyde of Montgomery, IL and Kim Fields and her husband Darrell of Providence; a step-son, Scott Costa of New Bedford; 3 brothers, David Duarte and his wife Pamela of Washington, DC; Bruce Duarte and John Duarte both of New Bedford; a sister, Donna Duarte of Providence; 7 grandchildren, Kyle, Brianna, Robert, III, Theresa, Bryce, Aaralyn and Olivia; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was the brother of the late Richard Duarte.
His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at 10 AM at the International Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday, April 15th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.