Robert P. Duarte

Robert P. Duarte, age 70, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. He was the husband of Carole (Bobola) Duarte to whom he was married for 49 years.

A lifelong Fairhaven resident, Bob was the son of the late Manuel and Deolinda (Prenda) Duarte. He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School Class of 1960.

He worked as a machinist for Morse Cutting Tools for many years and then worked in the Maintenance Department at U Mass Dartmouth until his retirement. He was the Secretary of Local 277 at Morse Cutting Tools and Treasurer of Local 6350 at U Mass Dartmouth.

An active member of the community, he was a former member of the Preservation Committee, Conservation Committee, and Finance Committee, as well as a current Town Meeting member. He is a Hall of Fame member and former officer of the Livesey Club. He was founder and commissioner of the New Bedford Industrial Softball and Basketball leagues, a former little league coach, and a high school and ASA softball umpire. Mr. Duarte was an avid New York Yankee’s fan.

A special thank you to Dr John Niedzwicki and Leslie Gonsalves at the Hawthorn Cancer Center.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, are his two sons, Douglas J. Duarte and his wife Stacey of Lakeville, Timothy P. Duarte and his wife Michelle of Westport; Two brothers, Joseph Duarte of Fairhaven; Donald Duarte of Dade City, FL; two sisters, Norma Santos of Fairhaven, Arlene Machado of New Bedford; and three grandchildren, Allyson, Sarah and Christopher Duarte all of Westport.

His funeral will be held at 9 AM, Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA, followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10 AM at St Mary Church, 440 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Burial in Riverside Cemetery.

For tributes and directions please visit our website at www.ROCK-funeralhome.com.