Don had been cutting my hair since 1973 until he retired and moved to Fla. I just saw this and I am sad to hear of the passing of my friend. 😢 Sending my sympathy to his family and loved ones. I have not had a haircut since he retired as I told him many years ago. God Bess   

Pam,I am still struggling to get over the shock of Don's passing so forgive me for the tardiness of my comments.
Don was my oldest friend, in truth for well over 50 years. Though we hadn't communicated for some time he was often in my thoughts. We shared some good times growing up including some practical jokes on one another. Don had a kind and generous heart and never forgot his humble beginnings. I think that was why he contributed so much time and resources on behalf of those less fortunate. I've been told that his efforts continued at his new home in Florida. This is his legacy.
When it came to choosing the best man for my wedding there could not have been any other choice. My thoughts and sympathy are with you Pam.
Rest in peace my friend, the good lord bless and keep you.

Though I have never met you Pamela it is with sadness and sorrow that I write you.  Don cut my hair for over 30 years.  We had tons of laughs.  I missed the soap opera between him and his mom, who would call him constantly as he cut my hair.  Jokingly he always referred to me as a brother from a different mother. He always made me laugh or feel good about myself. He was an influential person in my life, even though we did not pal around together.  Last year I published a novel and included Don as a character in one of the chapters.  He was just one of those enjoyable and interesting people.  He was a delight and a beautiful person. Even today I drove by his old shop on Riverside Ave. and the image of his name on the building brought a tear to my eyes.  God take care of you Don. Even though I have not seen you in a couple of years I will miss you, and I am dispirited and disheartened to think we will never see each other again.

Pam,
It's difficult to put into words the sorrow I feel. Don gave so much to all of us-friendship, laughter and so many memories  What  others saw as impossible, Don made possible-helping those less fortunate lead better lives, lending a hand whenever needed. Never seeking praise or recognition. He will be missed beyond compare ,but he will live in our hearts and in those whose lives he impacted and in all the memories he made with us. Friends like the two of you make the world a better place. You are in my thoughts and prayers and always in my heart.

Dear Pam, I was so shocked to hear the news about Don! I thought of him often and the many happy memories at the salon. I will celebrate his life every time I hang up one of the bows he made for me and other beautiful things which he created. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Love, Betsi Oliveira  and family.

Pam,
I am so sorry for your lost. Donnie was a very kind hearted man. My aunt Hilda and uncle Myran loved Donnie. I remember so many loving moments involving lots of laughter and decorating for the Holy Ghost. Donnie will be very missed.

Pam We cannnot express the deep sorrow we have and will certainly miss our dear friend Don.  He was the kindest man and full of laughter and funny stories/ He loved to tease and make people laugh. A great ministry in life. Be assured of our prayers. Much love , 
                                                      Bern and Lee (Somerset MA)

Pam, 
I thought of nothing but you and Don for the past week. There are so many memories. He and I became fast friends the moment we met nearly 50 years ago. He brought so many things into our lives, his faith, his talents, his love, his friends and you. We worked together 30 years and he made me laugh every day. He shared his talent with me and together the three of us made so many beautiful memories for brides and other events.  He made me fly for the first time and take a  cruise, he taught me so many things, his talents were endless and he was so willing to share that gift.  He was truly a very special unique person who touched so many lives. Jeff and I miss him terribly but always talk about the many adventures the four of us had together. You know my love is with you and his memory will be alive forever. It is like a bright light has gone from the world. But I know there is a new decorator and chef in heaven and by now he most likely has God laughing with some story, he will make heaven an even happier place.

Our love forever,
Chris and Jeff

Dear Pam, 
We are still reeling from the news of Don's passing.  He was such a good friend to our family, so generous with his time and his talents.  We miss him dearly.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  All our love,

Pam,
We were so saddened to hear about Don's passing.  He was such  a wonderful man and a great neighbor.  Our sincerest condolences. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
The Fayan Family

Pam,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Don. We always had such a good time when we were together. I have always admired his great talents and the fact that he shared them with us 
I hope God takes good care of him and you . If there is anything at all that I can do to help you please let me know.

Pam I'm so sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you that The Lord comfort you through this!

Although I never met Don personally, our good friends Beth & Billy Cambra spoke of him often. They enjoyed the time spent on their Florida visits. May the memories of those happier times carry you through this most difficult period.

It pains all of us here at Sacred Heart, a faithful parishioner, advocate for the poor, and friend of many. His work in the Parish Soup Kitchen was a highlight of every Monday and he was very much missed when he retired. 
When did I see you Lord hungry, thirsty, naked, alone? When you cared for the least Don, you did it for me. Now enjoy  what I have prepared for you.
Pam, that is truth. With the prayers of this community, God grant you His peace.

Pam and family,
My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.  Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Pam, I can't say I know exactly how you feel but I know my heart broke when I heard of his passing.  In our younger years we were together almost every day. Knew him well enough to know which of his stories to believe and those that were for our entertainment only and entertain us he surely did. We will share his stories for the rest of our lives. I do know when he met you, Pam he found his true soul mate. Take care of yourself and Duarte R.I.P. and know that you will truly be missed.
Linda and Dave Feijo

Our deepest sympathies go out to you Pam. We are both so sad at the loss of our dear friend ,Don. To say he was a unique & special person is such an understatement. 
Don could always put a smile on my face! He knew the meaning of true & loyal friendship that I will always treasure. There was nothing he wouldn't do for a friend! He was such a blessing to me.
We thank God that he was a part of our lives. Friends like Don don't come around often.
Pam, your devotion to each other was an inspiration! What comfort that will bring to you. 
May God bless you & give you strength.
Love, Don & Franki Blanchette

Our condolences to Pam, your family, and the DePaola family.  Knowing Don was one of the best parts of my younger years.  Many years later, we met up again in Florida.  He was the same old Don.....lots of stories, laughs, and fun.  He will be missed, but his laughter will always be felt by those he loved most. I hope that we can all learn from his compassion for others and try to repeat his kindness in our own way.

It saddens me deeply at the loss of one of my dearest friends. I am so thankful that he came into my life. Knowing Don was a blessing. He was not just a friend, he was, and is, the brother I always wanted. If not for Don, I would have missed many things in life. I could never repay him for his kindness and support in the last 50 years. He has gone to a better place now, but he will always remain in my heart. I will miss you Don, but I know that we will meet again soon. May you rest in peace.

And to Pam, you know that I will always be here for you. Someday we will get together and laugh at all of the crazy things that Don did to the people he loved. Know that I love you, and always will.

OBITUARY

Donald Joseph Duarte

December 5, 1946 – October 3, 2014

Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home

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