Ronald Joseph Duarte

Ronald Joseph Duarte, Sr, 86, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on March 29, 1939, in Taunton, Massachusetts, to Augustus and Lucille (Bernardo) Duarte.
On August 2, 1959, Ronald married the love of his life, Janet Estelle Avery, in Brockton, Massachusetts. Together they raised six children and shared 66 years of marriage, a bond that carried them through both struggles and joys. For their 60th anniversary, they renewed their vows on Hampton Beach, celebrating the life and family they had built together.
Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Navy before returning home to dedicate his life to family, hard work, and community. He spent many years as an oil burner man, a trade in which he was admired for his skill, reliability, and dedication. He cherished sharing his passion for the HVAC trade with his sons through their family business, Duarte & Sons, passing on not just his knowledge, but also his love for the work and the pride that came with it.
Although his health had declined in recent years due to a heart condition, Ronald had been healthy and active for most of his life. He enjoyed playing racquetball, coaching baseball, fishing, and golf, and in later years, he faithfully walked at least five miles every day.
Ronald loved traveling with his wife, especially their trips to Florida to visit with friends. He had a natural gift for connection and a way of making friends wherever he went. Hampton Beach was one of his favorite places, where he spent several weeks each August with family and friends—a tradition he cherished for the past 17 years.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his children, Ronald Duarte Jr. of Andover, NH, Elizabeth Duarte of Manchester, NH, Robert Duarte of Andover, NH, Rhonda (Duarte) Gauthier and her husband, Richard, of Wilmot, NH; daughter-in-law Dena (Hadges) Duarte of Brockton, MA; and Robin (Duarte) Jones and her husband, Ronald, of Taunton, MA. He was the proud grandfather of Ryan, James, Patrick, Samantha ,Richard, Douglas, Robert Jr., Shaun, Alexander, Anthony, Nicholas, Matthew, and Michael, and the great-grandfather of fifteen.
He is also survived by his siblings Geraldina (Duarte) Moore of Princeton, Illinois, Gloria (Duarte) Kwansy of Wyanet, Illinois, and Laurel (Duarte) McGrath and Richard Duarte of Taunton, MA.
Ronald cherished the loyal companionship of his dog, Riley, who was a beloved part of his family.
Ronald was preceded in death by his youngest son, Richard James Duarte, and his brother, Robert F. Duarte.
Throughout his life, Ronald was known for his deep devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his warm, welcoming spirit. He cherished and deeply loved his family, and he embraced every moment with enthusiasm, loving life to the fullest. His legacy is one of love, resilience, and the countless memories he created with family and friends.
The family spent some quiet, special time together to honor Ronald after his death. Next August, the family will gather at Hampton Beach for a celebration of his life—a place he loved so much. He left this world peacefully, with the same grace and love that defined the way he lived.