Miss you Luis! You are always in my heart!

Luis me conocio cuando trabajaba de guardia de seguridad en el riviera condominium donde vivia su papa. Yo puedo decir, y lo he dicho muchas veces anteriormente, que a pocas personas les debo tanto como le debo a la famila Duarte.  Luis Alberto, me trato con decencia y cariño, me consiguio mi primer trabajo bien pagado en Telemundo y siempre se intereso por mis progresos.  Su perdida la he sentido con  la angustia que siente un hombre por alguien a quien tiene tanto que agradecer RIP Luis Alberto tu eres mi heroe.

Tribute Part 2
This poem resonated with me- I think Luis would have liked it. 

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep 
I am not there
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in the snow
I am the sunlight on ripend grain
I am the gentle autum’s rain
When you awaken in the morning’s  hush
I am the swift uplifting hush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand a my grave and cry
Mary Frye
 
My dear brother, 
May you Rest In Peace in the palm of God’s hand. 
May the Lord Bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 
Numbers 6 24-26

Until we meet again.
I love you,

Marge

“I’ll see you down the road” 

Part 1 Tribute 

Dear Luis, my little brother,
 
There are no words describe the inordinate pain,  shock, sorrow and depth of loss that we all feel at your passing. Our hearts are heavy, our eyes filled with tears. Our family forever changed. We take some solace in the beautiful memories that remain. We will not let the memories fade.
 
I will always remember the cute baby you were. You and your friends running around the house, often times while I was trying to study, your playing baseball in the street with your friends, flying rockets with dad.

I will always remember the amazing baseball athlete you became, playing second base for Duke, ranking top 20 & 16th in program history, that you excelled in academics, that you were a creative genius in production and editing at Discovery, Telemundo and Univision.

I will always remember, and still enjoy, watching the brilliant shorts you produced.

I will always remember that you were a lover of nature, skiing, travel, literature, music.

And, I will always remember, that although, you and I did not always share the same perspectives, we agreed to disagree and were always there for each other, always putting our family first.
 
I will always remember Luis as my dad’s best friend, a protector of our mom, a supportive brother of Ana, Cristy and myself, a super role model to his nephews and niece, Mathew, Albert and Camile and to great nephew Josh
 
I will always remember that his daughters, Isabella and Elisa, were his World. That he was a devoted dad. A Mr Mom. A rink dad. How he was always there for his girls. How he always wanted the best for them.
 
I’ll always remember how he was a home-improvements, do-it-yourself, kind of dad. Where his personality is literally imprinted everywhere in his home.
 

Luis,

We will always keep your legacy alive in your daughters. We will carry your torch!
 
You were a great son, brother, uncle, friend and dad. Kind, quiet, gentle, funny, simple, smart man.
 

After working with Luis at the Discovery Channel for about 20 years, we both ended up doing some freelancing  jobs around town. I was so happy when we crossed paths at Telemundo and we were able to collaborate on some projects again.  I will miss you brother. 

Luis, I honor our life together by focusing on the joy we shared. Our family gives, but we are grateful for all the beautiful memories we will treasure. Praying that you have found everlasting peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Know that you will be greatly missed, but not forgotten for you will forever live through Isabella and Elisa. 

“In your life you touched so many. In your death many lives were changed”.   __by Melinda Jones from “David, We Miss You!"

I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Luis "Lu" at Univision and was always so humbled by his presence and his way of treating others. Lu never said no, always lent a hand and always with a smile on his face. When I finally had the opportunity to meet him in person he spent the entire dinner gushing about his beautiful family. He spoke of his daughters, his wife, his sisters & parents and the love shined through...he was proud. I am so terribly sorry for your incredible loss and will continue to pray for you all.

Luis querido.¡Cuánta tristeza! Aún no me lo creo. Me quedo con nuestras conversas sobre todos los temas más variados que se puedan imaginar: cine , libros, viajes, hobbies, diseño, la experiencia de ser padres... hablar contigo siempre fue una experiencia que abría mundos.

Me quedo también con tu nobleza, tu particular sentido del humor, la buena onda, el cariño y esa curiosidad inspiradora que te hacía un experto en todo lo que te interesaba . You are going to be truly missed !

Un gran abrazo para La familia Duarte, sus padres, hermanas , su esposa  y en especial a sus dos hijas de quienes siempre hablaba con gran orgullo y amor.
Buen viaje LD ! 

Luis was a wonderful leader and person. There're no words to express what is happening right now. I had the privilege to work closely with him, and there are a lot of mix-match feelings after losing him so suddenly. There's one thing I can say to the family; he will be missed tremendously.  I'm sure he is now in a better place and looking out for all of us. I hope God gives you the strength needed to keep going. 

To my dear family: Luisito will be dearly missed.  I will remember him always to be a quiet loving man who played baseball and skiied.  The memories will live on.  Besos y Abrasos, Ceci y Larry Ross

Luis was a kind and gentle soul.  He was a gentleman -  respectful, witty, collaborative and always there to lend a helping hand - no project was too big or too small.  I will greatly miss my coworker, but will miss my friend so much more.  My deepest condolences to his beautiful family and his girls that were his pride and joy.  Rest easy my dear Luis. 

So many times we’d sit in town halls and while we waited I made him do Snapchat filters. Which he kind of hated but made me laugh so much. This one has always been my favorite and just reminds me how silly he could be. 

Luis will be missed. Always kind. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and his daughters and family will carry it on. Praying for comfort and peace to the family. Love u guys! Hugs😘

I look back fondly on our old Discovery Channel days.  We shared our love for New York City, Ken Burns, Frank Lloyd Wright, chess, movies and music. Not a day went by that we didn’t share a laugh. You will be sorely missed. 

I only started working with Luis last year at Univision, but he immediately struck me as a very intelligent, hard-working and kind person. I also noticed how much respect he received from colleagues who had worked with him longer. He asked me about baseball but I knew very little about the sport so we connected on movies instead, where he offered a lot of insight into "new age" directors like John Cassavetes. His work style was diligent and collaborative, always getting the job done.

Es con profundo dolor que trato de expresar nuestro más sentido pésame a nuestra familia en Miami tras la irreparable pérdida de nuestro sobrino Luisito, como cariñosamente lo llamábamos .
En  nuestra visita a Miami en la primavera el año pasado, Margie invitó a toda la familia a cenar en su casa para que nos pudiéramos ver  y compartir un tiempo 
disfrutando de la compañía de todos. Fue la última vez que vimos a Luisito…
El siempre fue muy cariñoso con sus tíos y primos. Una vez nos sorprendió viniendo a visitarnos por una Navidad cuando aún era muy jovencito; el regalo que nos trajo, además de su compañía, aún lo conservamos y en cada Navidad adorna nuestra casa, de  ahora  en adelante tendrá mucho más significado.  Otra vez nos sorprendió cuando nos visitó en casa de Nelly con su familia en su paso por Washington D.C.
 El tenía un gran sentido del humor y su familia era su más precisado tesoro, incluyéndonos a nosotros y a sus primos. 
Que Dios le de a su familia la Paz y Fortaleza que necesitan para sobrellevar estos tiempos tan dolorosos y difíciles. 
Descansa en Paz Luisito, besos hasta el cielo, siempre estarás en nuestro corazón!los tíos Jorge y Luïsa 

My deepest condolences to the Duarte family on the loss of your beloved Luis.  I remember Luis when he was a young boy and I would be over your house in Miami Lakes studying with Margie and Cristy during our high school days.  He was such an adorable boy always.  Although I didn’t see him much after his early childhood, I can tell he was an amazing man who loved his family very much.  There are no words that can comfort you at a time like this but the wonderful memories you have with him will live with you forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  May our Lord give you the strength to get through this very difficult time and may Luis rest in eternal peace. Much love always, Lourdes Falcon and family.

Dear Family,
It is with great sadness that I hear about my precious cousin. I remember Lu from our childhood visits in Miami Lakes, chasing the UPS truck and running around the neighborhood. He was at Duke when I was at Elon and I got to see him a few times while he was there and had his Jeep.
As an adult, Lu was quiet, considerate, humble and kind. He told me about his work and his love for travel. Most importantly, he shared his love and pride in his girls. 
With his leaving us so soon, there is a "Lu-sized" hole in our hearts and our family. 
Along with Bryan, Alejandra and Maria, I pray for peace for him, his girls, and all our family.
Love,
Nelly

My sincerest condolences to Luis’s family.  I worked in the Traffic department when I met Luis. I was actually working with Diego to use my original art in a promo and he was his colleague. Every time I would go in their work room Luis would be so kind and helpful. They looked like they had so much fun in there that I couldn’t wait to work with them again. He has reminded me that life is too short to not do what you love. He will be missed and never forgotten. Rest In Peace friend.

Once again my sincere condolences to the family. I just wanted to share another photo of Luis and I in the 9th grade. “Back to Back” serious about the journey of being a baseball player.  Loss of words my friend. 

Luis and I with the graphic team at Univision working on our latest streaming endeavor and baby, PrendeTV.  This was the day I met them for the first time in person (we're remote).  During my visit Antonella asked, "when are we meeting Luis?" and I called you immediately to ask what your schedule was like.  Knowing you had a busy day the next day you said, "no worries I'll pass by now".   And a few minutes later I was greeting you at the entrance and you gave me a huge brotherly hug.  I remember it well and that I will be grateful for regardless these social distant times.  When the team met you they were so appreciative you took the time to stop by to visit.  These are the thoughtful moments that made you special Lu.  Always available, even if it meant staying late to finish work. That didn't matter, the team did and you were always the best at making sure the team was good and on a winning streak.  Lu loved the creative process and talking graphics with me was like oxygen.  I'll miss those creative brainstorms but I know you'll watch over us and make sure we deliver your vision.  Your passing has made the team a family now Lu, and they promised to honor your dedication, inspiration and leadership in all they do for the streaming platform.   And when we come together, we'll toast to you and your "great idea".   You're missed and you're loved by so many Lu...❤️  ~~^~~>

My sincere condolences to the family. I’m still at a lost for words. I spent many great years in high school with Luis practicing, training and playing the game of baseball which he loved so much! Luis was always so passionate about the game and he loved every minute that involved being a part of it. I always got to see Luis smiling and in turn he had us laughing. His nickname for us was “Loopty Lou” and as the shortstop and second baseman of the team he and I were always inseparable on the baseball field. We loved practicing and we called ourselves “ The Dream Team”.  So many amazing moments that I will never forget. Thank you for making us all better both on and off the field!

Luis will truly be missed.  My prayers are with his family in this hard time.  He was always kind to all colleagues, it was a pleasure working with him.  

I write this with true sadness and grief for the Duarte family. I only met Luis once or twice at Ana's home, but he impressed me as a quiet, kind soul. My prayers and thoughts go out to my wonderful friend Ana Duarte, her sisters, parents, and Luis's family. If you know the Duartes, you know they are all about love and joy of family. I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring, and I am  so very sorry for your loss.  May he rest in peace. Much love, Aurora

No hay palabras para tanto dolor mucha fuerza a toda la familia  Duarte  Fuiste  buen esposo y un excelente padre de tus princesas ,buen hijo ,hermano  ,tio ,en paz descansa Luis  vuela alto 🙏🏻❤️

How I remember Luis , I met Luis well over 18 years ago when I  started working at CSC.  Luis was well reserved , private,  and very simple . Through the years CSC has become my extended family .  Luis would come to the practice and a simple nod was a hello, he would make eye contact with you  and that was his way of also saying hello , he didn’t speak much but he knew you were there , a side smirk or a smile  that was Luis. Through the years we would see eachother mostly when he came by the office and or at his sisters house for their  family gatherings.  He loved his girls, he was very well protected of his family. He was a great father and it showed . Luis will be missed immensely by so many.  He was unique in his own character and had a certain style . Anyone that knew Luis would know that he admired and adored his mom. He was also very protective of her. We miss you Luis, forever in our hearts . May God grant you eternal peace and comfort . Love always Michelle Machin 

Part 2 
Luis married Yamarashi and had 2 beautiful girls, Isabella and Elisa. His daughters were his life and now his legacy. He was completely devoted to them. A “Mr Mom”. You would often find him at the skating rink conversing with the other moms while Isabella practiced. He loved to work with his hands and became a master craftsman at home – a hobby he really enjoyed. He could have had his own Home Improvements podcast. His home was his castle. He was all about family! 

He was a sensitive, kind, and loving person, a great dad, son, brother and friend.
 
We love and miss you Luis! 
 
Rest in peace my dear brother.
I love you 

Marge

May the Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.
Numbers 6 24:26

Part 1
February 26, 1973, I was 12 years old and clearly remember our home was buzzing with joy. My mom had delivered a baby boy. His name was Luis Roberto Duarte. We were ecstatic as a family. The 4th child and a boy. My dad had his boy, our family was complete. All the kids on the block were also excited. My parents were bringing home a cute cuddly baby. The house was pristine. My mom and grandmom had nested for months in preparation for our newest little family member. We loved this little guy! 
 
Luisito, as we often called him, grew up in Miami Lakes where my parents raised our family. Life for kids in Miami Lakes was great. We played in the streets, rode or walked to school. Most of our doors were unlocked. We were in all our friend’s houses and they in ours. Of course, Luis being 12 years younger had a different set of friends. But nonetheless, the neighborhood was great for all sorts of adventures. We lived on Cedar Ct and our street was our playground. We spent summers swimming in everyone’s pools and lakes and playing hide and seek, riding bikes, street skating, playing all sports & finding any and all adventures.
 
Luis, from a young age was introduced to baseball by my dad. He and my dad were inseparable. Luis fell in love with the sport and mastered it. He played all the way through high school. He was so good he was recruited by Duke to play 2nd base for the Blue Devils! He was a super athlete ranking amongst the top 16 baseball players in the Duke sports archives in 1995.
 
After graduating, Luis went to work for Discovery Channel in editing and production. He traveled the globe – which he loved, with Discovery. He then worked for Telemundo and last, Univision where he was heading a live streaming project. His colleagues considered him a creative genius.
 
Luis loved to travel. He loved jazz, art, films and literature. He followed the Yankees and loved watching baseball.

Continue to part 2

From the age of 15 we've been making each other laugh.  From when you directed your first spoof video in high school to your homeroom roll call ritual, which was timing your entrance right before the teacher called your name.  This consisted of you first throwing your gym bag in the classroom, then your backpack, then you would strut in and say “here.”     
I loved when we would hang out at your mom’s house.  From jumping off the roof into the pool, to recording skits, to just hanging out or seeing your mom’s big smile or your nephew Matthew wanting to hang with his uncle.   Then after college hanging out with your dad at his condo, which was the same condo you introduced jazz to me via John Coltrane’s Blue Train.  
I remember how happy you were when Isabella and Elisa were born.  You would always talk about them; they were your pride and joy.  Since you became a father, every time we would hang out you would explain every activity they did since the last time we spoke.  You were excited to introduce them to a new song, a new album, a new piece of art, a new location, then as they got older a new book.  Your life revolved around them.  
As I’m writing this, I have what seems like a lifetime of memories, which time and space limit me from sharing.  I will miss all of our conversations about life and family.  I will miss your laugh especially at my over-the-top, ridiculous stories.  I will miss your quirkiness, your passion, your stories, and your advice, but more importantly I will miss you.  You were my best friend, my brother.  Love you.  Rest in Power Lu.

To Margie and the Duarte Family, 

My thoughts are with each and every one of you during this time. While I did not personally know Luis, I am very saddened by his passing and for the loss of his life on earth. 

He sounds like he was a very lovely and sensitive man with a big heart . I am sure he will be greatly missed. 

I am sending my heartful sympathies and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. 






Luis, Marcela and Virginia - Discovery Day

I had the great pleasure of working with Luis twice in my career, at Discovery and now again at Univision. Always with a calm but witty demeanor you were a true creative and professional. I enjoyed our laughs over work and chats on parenting two girls. You will be dearly missed, Lu! May you Rest In Peace. Sending your family my respects. 

Luis was a part of our family for over 30 years. Through a beautiful friendship between Luis and my brother Oliver, I gained another brother. Luis was a constant presence at our dinner table as well as the domino table playing with my grandparents who adored him. My grandfather would call Luis and my brother the twins because they were always together. Luis was a kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all who were lucky to have him in our life. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have memories with Luis that will last a lifetime. He will be terribly missed.

We started working together when the whole DLA Discovery team fitted in a conference room. Afternoons strolls to have cafecito on Lincoln Road. Short trips to NY after Discovery Day where I watched you play chess with an anonymous character at Washington square. You took me to my first (and only) baseball game at the Yankee’s stadium. A trip to Brazil where you were surprised how fast Brazilian spoke and put your Portuguese skills to the test. Ai Lu, so many good memories. My heart hurts.  You were always so kind, loving, funny, supportive, curious, a friend. You touched so many lives and I feel blessed to have met you. Last image that I have of you is you smiling proudly of your little girl.  I may never understand why you had to leave so early but I know that you are at peace now. Descansa em paz meu amigo. Você mora no meu coração.

Cristy, Marge, Ana, we send our deepest condolences to you, your parents and Luis’ wife and daughters.  May you have the comfort of knowing he was so obviously loved and now at peace.  

It’s said your friends are the ones that make you laugh.  By that measure — or any other — Luis was my best friend.  I have never known a kinder, more caring, or more thoughtful person.

Lu was a contradiction — a rugged athlete, and a sensitive artist; a complex soul, and a simple man.  

He loved the world — travel, art, literature, history, music, theater, cinema, television, technology, and of course sports (or at least baseball).  He taught me the meaning of the word style, which he carried across everything he did, with dignity and grace.  He introduced me to so many things, and we shared so many amazing experiences, that almost everything I have and do connects to him in some way.  In half a lifetime we collected three lifetimes of treasured memories and inside, inside, inside jokes — woven through countless shared experiences, from New York to Miami, Dublin to Durham, the Rockies to the Alps, and beyond.

Yet above everything, Lu was basically one thing: a family man.  He loved and cared for his family (including those friends closest to him, which were one and the same) above all.  He was fiercely loyal.  He put every one of us before himself, always.  Especially his two beautiful daughters.  I have never seen a better father, so much dedication to their lives and well-being, every hour of every day.  He has been and will always be an inspiration to me.

Luis has left this Earth far, far too early.  We had over 30 years together, but I wanted 50 more.  I can’t believe we’ll never speak again.  He was my brother.  More than my brother.  And I will never not miss him.  Rest in peace Luisito.  You will be with me always.  I love you forever.

~ Bobby

Us at the 2014 Discovery US Upfront in your favorite place, New York City.  Once the event was successfully over you wondered off into the city like a native New Yorker.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the Duarte family through these hard times.

{music starts + plays under:  Beatles:  In my life}

My dearest Lu,
Your departure has left a void in my heart; life will not be the same without you Lu. You’re an original, an exceptional teacher, friend and my gentle yet fierce Tiburón.  You called me Sharky and we jokingly spoke in shark code.  How I loved our conversations, our countless brain storms, our future in our new over the top world, even the times I “spared you the drama” and all our “chomping away” emails and text messages followed by our endearing swimming fin signatures.  

~~^~~> 

Your loss has left an enormous weight to all who were blessed with your presence and your love.  You and I have been in this journey since 1996 and being on your team this far in our career has been the ultimate full circle; a dream come true.  I had the fortune of joining your team but this time we weren’t working on Discovery Upfronts for endless hours/days- nor an actual office, since we’ve been remote.  I felt so lucky to call you my manager and look up to you as my boss. Working with you again has been an absolute joy. You were a bright and humorous, creatively gifted beacon of knowledge with a willingness to mentor any who asked- a compassionate, considerate, kind-hearted and exceptional leader. 
How I’ll miss you Lu. The colors and sounds have shifted since your passing- I’ve lost a brother. 
Nevertheless, in time, your Sharky will keep on swimming and I know you wouldn’t expect anything else from me.  I promise to stay the course in the same steadfast professionalism you’ve always expected from me. The show must go on and I will do just that with the intention of doing you proud as I know you’ll be with us in spirit helping us navigate these uncharted waters without your physical presence. 

I love you and miss you Lu.
I’ll continue chomping away.

~~^~~>      

{music vocals full}:  "In my life...I love you more."

Dear Duarte Family,

I am so terribly sad to hear of your loss.  You all treated me like family so I know how dearly you hold those bonds.  While no words can adequately express my feelings and certainly not describe the depths of your loss, it is my hope that Luis's memory can serve as a blessing in these dark times.  My thoughts are with your entire family but especially with Dona who is suffering what a mother never should.  

“Nadie te quita lo bailao”. That old Venezuelan saying: “No one can take what you’ve danced”. It’s a great metaphor for a life well lived. You loved baseball, jazz and chess. You loved your girls. You loved your family, your friends, your colleagues. You loved creativity in all its forms and you loved your work. Sometimes. You once put a raw egg in a perfectly good Extra Polivitamínico, “¿Con todo?”… ¡Con todo! You confirmed in a low tone voice. You didn’t love that! I saw it in your face. The point is, you loved to do crap like that.

We’re gonna miss you Luis! I’ve read all the memories from all the people posted here. Some are people I know others I don’t but we all share one thing, we love you back. I life so filled with love is a life well danced. Por eso Luis, nadie te quita lo bailao.

Luisito, 
Mi hijo, mi hermano, mi compañero, jugamos juntos …trabajamos juntos ….viajamos juntos ….. Lo vi crecer  nunca lo olvidaré…….
Tu Papa

I am grateful to have had Luis in my life.  Most of my memories of Luis are of his quick wit.  On one occasion his sister and I were taking a walk and passed by his house.  She reached out to him, and he joined us.   The rest of the walk was like a comedy routine between his sister and him.  It was such an unexpected and wonderful afternoon.  Another memory that stands out is Thanksgiving two years ago.  I remember looking around the table at his loving and supportive family and thinking how blessed he must feel.  I am grateful for the time I had, and I will miss him. 

Like so many friends and colleagues I had the blessed opportunity of meeting Luis while we worked at Discovery. He was unique as a person and as a professional. A gentleman and a scholar as the saying goes. The depth of his kindness, knowledge and curiosity had no limits. His specific tastes and precision of opinions were always imparted with generosity - he listened to you. Luis taught me many things and introduced me to “new stuff” all the time. We shared a dissecting love of Wes Anderson and Studio Ghibli movies, but could never agree on Woody Allen. I could go on and on, but all I mean to say is that Luis is part of me, of my life. I’ll carry him with me for as long as I live, together with the pain of knowing there won’t be more “running into” with him.

My thoughts are with his family. May God bless us and lead us forward. 

Mi queridísimo Luis: voy a extrañarte tanto. Tu inteligencia, tu sentido del humor, tus gustos tan específicos y elevados. Tu amor por tus hijas. Tu amor a tus seres queridos y amigos. Me duele tanto el corazón que no estes mas con nosotros. Me cuesta mucho entenderlo, pero conociéndote se que esto debe tener algún sentido aunque sea tan difícil para el resto de nosotros entenderlo. Espero que hayas conseguido la paz que buscabas. Asi como espero que hayas sabido lo muchísimo que te quise y admire, y lo tanto que te vamos a extrañar. 

My heart goes out to you and breaks with yours in the loss of beloved Luis .  
Sending prayers for comfort and peace  in this most difficult time.  I love you!

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Luis, siempre te recordaremos como un amigo amable, siempre listo para ayudar y con aquella sonrisa constante. 

Dificil recordar aquellos días en Discovery  sin los amigos de siempre. Dios te bendiga viejo. 

  Luis and I’s friendship started at Miami Lakes Elementary because of our  love of baseball. I can remember playing after school in front of his house everyday,  using the garage door for the strike zone using tennis balls. I remember we would get super excited when we would get racket balls instead because those balls would go farther. Our passion/obsession for the game even lead us to get in trouble at school. In the 4th grade in Mrs. Fergursons’ class, Luis came up with a plan  to escape to the bathroom one by one with our other friend Luis Collazo. I was the last person to leave the classroom asking for the wooden hall pass, which we  would use as a baseball bat. Once we all got to the bathroom Luis Collazo served as the look out, perched on top of the bathroom stall, making sure we were safe to play.  We quickly scrunched up a piece of paper and determined that if you made it over the stall it would be a home run.  The rules were you had to make a home run in order not to get an out.  Luis batted first making some home runs but eventually striking out, then it was my turn.  As I was batting, Luis Collazo so into the game, that he didn’t realize that our teacher was on the way to catch us.  We really  thought we were outsmarting our teacher and that she wouldn’t realize that three of her students were gone. Mrs Ferguson quickly shouted “What are you guys doing?!?”.  We were stunned and quickly sent back to the classroom with our punishment being having to write 100 lines of “ I will not play baseball in the bathroom.” or being sent to the principles office.  Obviously, we chose to write lines. 

    Thank you Luis for all the memories and the friendship we have shared over the years, especially entrusting me to be Elisa’s godfather.  As you would say to me every time we spoke on the phone, Campion, I hope that you have found peace wherever you may be, you will be greatly missed not only by me but by your many family and friends. We love you very much.  


Dear Margie & your family- 
Brad and I never knew Luis. The more we read about him; the more Margie tells me about him- the more we wished we did. Such an intriguing soul. An old soul perhaps. As if he had been for 48 years trying to figure out his place in this natural and earthly life. His passing leaves a vacuum in his family and among his friends. No doubt. It is always hard to come to grips with this sudden departure. But I’d like to envision him at peace. He’s returned home to a simple and carefree life. He's building his castles in the sky. And so, the more I learn about the person that he was, the easier it is to embrace all of his qualities - of which there are many- to help fill the hole in your hearts. This is how you can all continue his memory and legacy. You all carry a bit of Luis in your hearts. He’s in everyone of you now. 
And so I hope these words help to imagine that his life after life is serene.
May he R.I.P
Laurette M. Ellis

Dear cousins, wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. May these memories warm your heart for years to come. We love you cousin. 

The Siblesz Westphal Family 

My heartfelt condolences go to Luis’s family. He was such a special person. A real renaissance man. So curious, so smart, so creative, so funny. He loved jazz, cinema, art, baseball, carpentry. He walked around with a New Yorker in his back pocket and a pen in his shirt pocket. He was a great friend and mentor to many. He loved and was extremely proud of his family. Rest in eternal peace dearest Luis. 

Mis más profundas condolencias para la familia Duarte por la pérdidad de el brillante creativo y muy querido Luis.  No existen palabras de consuelo ante tanta tristeza. Deseamos que Dios les proporcione la fotaleza que necesitan.  Fue un honor conocerlo y tener la oportunidad de trabajar con  Luis durante buenos años en el gran equipo Discovery.  🙏

Mis condolencias para la familia.  La verdad no tengo palabras. Un beso grande y mi más sentido pésame . Rucvicet Beltran 😢🙏

Luis was such a special person to me and everyone he worked with at Discovery.  He was genuine, kind, intelligent and extremely talented. He had a curious mind and always had something interesting to say about any topic. Luis was an avid New Yorker reader and I enjoyed hearing his opinions about the articles he regularly read.  I will never forget when he came to my office to tell me with a great smile that one of our productions was mentioned in the New Yorker.   So many beautiful memories.. prayers to his entire family and all of his many friends. 





Luis lived across the street from me when we were both kids. We used to play baseball in his driveway (with a tennis ball) using the garage door as a backstop. We would spend hours outside playing.
I remember he was a very good hitter and hard to strikeout!

Luis took that talent all the way to college and played baseball for Duke University. Being younger than he was I remember thinking how cool it was to know someone playing at a major university. I really looked up to him. I know he made many people proud including my family across the street.

Luis was a genuinely good person. I will always remember him and the great memories from our childhood.

Leader. Mentor. Great father. These are the reasons I looked up to Luis. While working at Discovery for a short amount of time, he taught me so much under his creative leadership - lessons that continue to inspire and motivate me everyday. 

There are so many memories I have of Luis, it’s impossible to pick just a few. Lu and I shared an office at Discovery for more years than I can remember.  He was a part of so many important milestones in my life, both professional and personal – when I first met my husband, my wedding, pregnancy and the birth of my son, promotions, and even when I got “restructured.”  We shared a passion for travel and always planning our next vacations, as well as discussing the next home DIY projects, for which he always had tips for me to share with my husband.  Always, always accompanied with so many good laughs!!  Then I had the pleasure of running in to him again a few years later when I joined Telemundo. I will forever remember him as an amazing professional, passionate about his work (what he wouldn’t do for Doki!) and always willing to lend a helping hand, as well as such a great and generous friend.  My deepest, deepest sympathies to his daughters who were the light of his life, to his wife and the entire Duarte family.   Rest in peace and shine bright, my friend.       

I remember the Duarte family when  all the families moved to Miami lakes in 1970.   It was a great place to grow up.  I remember Margie, Christy and Ana Luisa .   The one photo I remember of little Luis was in the backyard on Cedar Court sitting on the slide.    I send the family my condolences at this sad time.   I didn’t really know Luis but i am sure that he was like his Mom, Dad and sisters he was a fantastic , loving, compassionate person.  

To my friend and Brother Louie d we met when we were 15 years old and created a special bond we went to our first rock concert together 1989 Miami arena skid row and Bon Jovi I'll never forget it we spent most of the summers at your mom's house in Miami Lakes when we were younger and at your dad's condo at the beach when we were older too many great memories to even start to mention not everyone got to be your friend or your brother but I was blessed to be both you are a special person and I was glad to be part or you life I love you and you will be missed ...Herby

Margie,
We are so sad in learning about Luis’ death. We know how much you loved him and what a terrific aunt you are to your nieces. May the good memories of Luis help you in your grief.  
With deepest condolences,
Shirley, Bill and Sarah

Un caballero entre caballeros con un sentido del humor auténtico y respetuoso. Recuerdo nuestros meetings con gratos recuerdos gracias a tus comentarios ingeniosos…Mis oraciones para con toda la familia en este momento tan difícil. Descansa en Paz amigo.💕

Luis, so much I could say, but at the same time, I'm just lost for words.  So, I'll just start with thank you... I'll never forget you, and I'll always miss you... 

Brother Lu! You will be missed! You were a genuine human being! I'm going to miss our daily Yankees talks!
Praying for the Duarte family! Praying for God to give your family the strength during this very difficult time.

Rest in peace, Lu!

Lu, you most definitely left your mark on this world with your gentleness, quick wit, creative vision, and your unmistakable, genuine and kind heart. May your light continue to shine on in all those you have touched but particularly within your daughters.  Every time you spoke of them, or shared tidbits on your vision for how to guide them toward becoming amazing human beings, your entire face would light up. It was quite a sight to see. I will miss you very much, my friend. My most heartfelt condolences to the entire Duarte family, Luis was most definitely one of the good guys.    

I met Luis at Discovery in Miami and he eventually became my boss. More than that, he became a brother to me. We would have lunch together often and talk about work and home improvement projects, and we enjoyed many “el cafecito” moments. He talked often about his daughters, from education to sports and he had great parenting advice. We played chess and tennis and liked to keep the Hialeah vs Hialeah Miami Lakes competitive spirit alive. He never gave up on a point and could volley like no other. He helped me tremendously in my decision to move to Knoxville knowing we would love it and it would be great for the kids.
Thank you Luis. I will miss you.

Lu was the best boss there is, always using his shield to protect his team, never acting from ego but from pure generosity and empathy.  He was a mentor and a friend and his departure leaves this world poorer. My heart goes to his girls, family, and innumerable friends who are feeling this loss terribly, as the incomprehensible tragedy it is. May you be in a better place, a loving caring spiritual realm. Surrounded but a great group of souls, just like yours.  

I met Luis way back in 1997. I was starting a new job and he was one of first people I met in Miami. He never remembered our first interactions back then, and  even though  I just knew him as the guy that played some tapes with commercials next to my workstation,  I never forgot him. His kindness towards me was simply unforgettable. Years later I was able to get to know him a bit better, as we navigated together the On Air Promotions minefield. He was never bothered by all the questions I used to ask him as he worked his editor magic, he had the power to make a difficult day feel  like a breeze. 6 months ago he gave me an opportunity to start fresh, and that guy with the tapes from 1997 became my mentor. I will always be grateful  for all the time I was able to spend with Lu, for everything I learned from him, and most importantly for how he showed the true meaning of kindness, the kindness that filled his heart. Dear friend, you will always be in my thoughts.
My sincere condolences to the Duarte family.

Mi más sentido pésame a su familia: papás, esposa, hijas, hermanos y amigos! Luis Tiburon Duarte: buen viaje! Que donde estés sea eterna tu paz, tu buen sentido del humor y ese don de gente tan tuyo. Seguirás siendo un tipazo como pocos entre quienes tuvimos el placer de conocerte. Triste este hasta luego!

I want to give my love to the Duarte family. Luis was a friend and teammate. He was a person that I went out of my way to be around because I admired him so much.  On the field he was my “Donnie Baseball” off the field he was a friend who demanded nothing but gave everything.  Through the years he would surprise me with a call that he was in NYC, whether it was needing a place to stay the night, as he rode the buses up to The Cape Cod League or visiting NYC with his family.   Those quick visits would bring back great memories like trips to Miami Subs in college and playing the OF with and electric stim machine on his hammy. He’d also tell me how proud and how much he loved his family. Sweet Lou, Thank you for being a part of my life and helping to shape a part of who I am today.  
Love to the Duartes 

There is not enough words to cover all the wonderful and incredible memories that we have all shared with Luis, but I truly feel blessed to have been part of some of those. With all the love in the world and forever in our hearts. God bless you my brother, JC

Remembering our “El Mundo en tus Manos” branding campaign…

My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. Our paths in life crossed multiple times and I am very grateful for the time I got to spend with Luis. We attended the same high school, graduated,  lost touch  and then unexpectedly reconnected when we started our careers at Discovery Channel in the late 90’s. A decade later, Lu’s big smile  surprised me as we bumped into each other during drop-off at our kids’ elementary school. It was a different time in our lives and we laughed about how much we had changed and and shared stories about the joys and challenges of parenthood. He always raved about his girls.  Then, about a year ago, we met again through work one last time. He was always a pro, always kind,  always a joy to interact with in any way.  From the beginning, Luis was a class act. I remember a  person that was both serious and witty, smart and inquisitive, proud of his heritage and infinitely curious about the world beyond. I hate that he’s gone. I pray that we can focus on how lucky we were to have known him. Rest in peace, Tiburón.



I can’t really believe Luis Duarte is gone. It is devastating, I’m so shocked. Luis and I worked and traveled a lot together during his successful tenure at Discovery.  Tonight, I vividly remember countless, sleepless nights working side by side at Morocco and Argentina. I would never forget the “cafecitos” at Juan Cafeteria. Goodbye “Tiburon,” you were taken too soon.



Lu made the world a better place through his kindness, sense of humor, creativity, and especially by the way he treated every person he came into contact with. His sweet, gentle nature gave him a quality that made you feel better just by being around him. He will be deeply missed. 

A colleague, a friend. Our work took us to share many hours, coffees, talks…you were always that editor that can do anything.  I will miss you greatly. 

Caramba... I'm heartbroken...
Lu, we had sporadic conversations at Discovery but they were meaningful-- revolving around family and baseball because my son played the same base you did in college.  I'd tease you and kid around saying that you still had " el caminao de pelotero"... you'd smile shyly.   Soar high Lu, bat homeruns, create in heaven... 
Te vamos a extrañar un chorro.

Bright, sweet and kind. Menino, descanse em paz. I will always remember the fun times we shared at Discovery, your stories about skiing in Park City and how important your family was to you. Sending love and light to you and your loved ones.

Bright, sweet and kind. Menino, descance em paz. I will always remember the fun times we shared at Discovery, your stories about skiing in Park City and how important your family was to you. 
Sending love and light to you and your loved ones.

My dearest Louis, as I used to call you. What happened, my friend?! No words can express the sadness I am feeling right now. My heart is with your family and friends in sorrow. I wish us all strength.  
When we spoke over the phone a few months ago, we shared memories from the time we worked together. We remembered the long conversations we use to have about Wood Allan, about life… and all in Portuguese! (Luis spoke Portuguese, you know?)  Now that call will be my last memory of you? Not fair :(
Rest in piece, my friend. You will always be remembered with kindness and love. 
Thank you and congratulations for being a wonderful amazing  being, Your friend, peach

Luis was one of the nicest coworkers I had at Discovery Latin America. He had the demeanor of a quiet, shy person, but in reality, he was a vibrant, very colorful and funny man. I had many laughs with him and after so many years working for Discovery (he joined in 1996 and I joined in 1997) and with some many changes our division went through from 2012-2014, where many were laid off, we had a funny bet going as to who was going to be the last employee to turn off the lights and lock the door. I ended up leaving Discovery before he did (and neither one of us ended up being the last employee) but we kept in touch especially around birthdays where we would tell each other some old jokes. Let me also say that he was an extraordinary professional, a great producer and just a delightful person to have around. I am deeply saddened about his passing and I can only imagine how his family is feeling. May he rest in peace. Luis, you will be greatly missed. I am glad I had the chance to know you.

Amigo, que brille para ti la luz perpetua, descanza en paz. Muchos lindos recuerdos querido Luis, mucha fortaleza para tu esposa, tus pequeñas, padres y todos tus seres queridos. Te vamos a extrañar

We got to watch the world cup for work together, we shared many lunch breaks and always had very meaningful conversations. A great human being and a true gentleman. I still can't believe it, brother. Thank you for everything, especially that cafecito you made for me that one time when I was by your house. I will never forget that. You will be dearly missed my friend. 

Besides getting to watch the world cup for work together, we shared many lunch breaks and always had very meaningful conversations. A great human being and a true gentleman. I still can't believe it, brother. Thank you for everything, especially that cafecito you made for me that one time when I was by your house. I will never forget that. You will be dearly missed, Luis. 

Luis, you will always be in our hearts. Thank you for all the  light you brought to us all .

Luis. There are no words to express the pain I’m feeling now. You were taken from us way too soon. But there are plenty of great memories and good times I will cherish forever. This last year I had the fortune of working with you every day. Thank you for always asking how Dominic was doing  in school and in the pool (you were his biggest fan). Thank you for our little COVID lunches during these difficult times. Thank you for being there for me like a true brother. Thank you thank you thank you! May god bless you and your family. Love you brother!

I met Luis through our fathers who were very close and worked together for many years. I remember he walked up to me my first day at Discovery and said the nicest things to me about my Dad and how he had influenced him. I felt as if I had an instant friend and he became one. I am so sad at this news. A gentle reminder that life is short and the moments we all share are so meaningful. Our condolences.

Silvia Garcia - Swaun 

Rest in peace Luis it was a pleasure working with you. 

Bright, gifted soul… I got the fortune to share with him, not only great work, but also insightful and meaningful stories. A knowledgeable, deep thinker, and genuine seaker. His most embracing characteristic was his generosity and humor. Thank you for the sparks and the storytelling, Luis. I’ll dearly miss our conversations.  Strength and light to his family. 
p.

Is hard to understand that you are no longer with us brother. Luis was an incredible human being and he was extremely talented and creative. I will always be grateful to him for taking  the time to talk to me and give me some advice when I went through  a very tough time in my life. “Tiburón”, you were unique. I hope you are In a better place. Rest In Peace.

OBITUARY

Luis Roberto Duarte

February 26, 1973 – January 3, 2022

Caballero Rivero Westchester

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