Joao P. Duarte, 92, of New Bedford died Saturday August 27, 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Joana (Centeio) Duarte.
Born in Brava, Cape Verde, the son of the late Manuel K. and Maria Duarte, he resided in New Bedford since 1978.
He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Mr. Duarte was formerly employed at Cliftex Clothing in New Bedford, and had worked as a mason while living in Cape Verde.
Survivors include six children, Laurinda C. Lobo, David C., Joe C., and Cesar C. Duarte, all of New Bedford, Maria C. Duarte of Canton, OH, and Estella C. Dias of Scituate; his siblings, Jose and Irene Duarte, both of Pawtucket, RI, and Paul, Eugenia, Candida, and Matilda Duarte, all of Cape Verde; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was the grandfather of the late John A. and Joana Duarte, and brother of the late Peter, August, and Dominga Duarte.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 9 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-8PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.