Robert J. Duarte, 77, of New Bedford died Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Eleanor (Burgo) Duarte.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late John G. and Matilda (Pina) Duarte, he lived in New Bedford for all of his life.
Bobby was formerly employed as a Firefighter for the City of New Bedford for many years until his retirement.
He was a member of International Longshoremen's Association Local 1413, Merchant Mariner's Club, and many community organizations.
Bobby was a jack-of-all-trades, he was always building or fixing things. He enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Roxy, Junior, and Capone and watching the Red Sox and game shows.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Duarte, Jr. and Matthew Duarte; two daughters, Monica Vargas and her husband Keith, and Jeannine Pettiford and her husband William; five grandchildren, Ronald Lopes, Renae Lopes, Jared Duarte, Lexis Duarte, and Davon Duarte; four great-grandchildren, Dante Lopes, Daishawn Barselou, David Amos, III, and Jaidel Lopes; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his 15 siblings.
His memorial visitation will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.