Edward M. Duarte

Edward Manuel Duarte of Somerset, age 80, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with his illness. He was the loving husband of Gilda M. (Macedo) Duarte, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.

Born in Sao Miguel, Acores, Portugal, on May 27, 1944, he was the son of the late Manuel and Eliza (Guerreiro) Duarte. He was the brother of Maria Corvelo, Mariette Menezes, Antonio Duarte and late brothers Carlos and Jose Duarte.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons and two daughters; Jane Estrela and her husband Joe, David Duarte and his wife Odete, Moses Duarte and Nichole Duarte. He leaves behind his fourteen grandchildren, Justine, Devon, Amanda, Samantha, Dylan, Jared, Makayla, Moses Jr., Rachel, Briana, Ashlee, Hailey, Ava, Sofia and two great-grandchildren Austin and Claire. He was an adored uncle by all of his nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran of the Portuguese Armed Forces, he served during the Angolan War of Independence for three years. In 1969, he immigrated to the United States in pursuit of a better life for his family. He was a longtime resident of Warren, RI where he worked at American Tourister, as a supervisor for many years before his retirement in 2010. Edward was a member of the Saint Thomas church; he found joy in singing for their choir and participating in many traditional Portuguese festivities before moving to Somerset, MA.

Known for his sarcastic sense of humor, he loved to crack jokes and bring smiles to the faces of those around him. He found joy in tending to his garden, watching Western films, listening to his favorite soccer team Sporting and the timeless music of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. A true jack-of-all-trades, Edward could turn his hands to anything. Above all, Edward adored his family and found great happiness in spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours are Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, 615 Main St., Warren, RI. His Funeral Service will be Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main St., Warren, RI. Burial will be at the St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Warren, RI. Relatives and friends are welcome.