Obituary

Mr. Gilberto C. Duarte, age 64, of Phoenix, Arizona went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 24, 2020 after a lengthy, courageous battle with his heart. He was born April 8, 1956 to Arturo Duarte and Socorro Cordova in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

He is survived by his wife; Maria A. Duarte, his children from his former marriage; Anna Alicia Duarte and Gilbert Duarte Jr., and his children from his current marriage; Jimena A. Duarte and Isaac A. Duarte, his sister; Ana Uria, his brothers; Ismael Contreras and Carlos Contreras, and two special people who have always been there for him; Chris Duarte and Ray Flores. Gilberto is also survived by his five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Mercedes Yadira Duarte.

Gilberto, Founder/Owner of Casa Duarte LLC, came to the United States at the age of eighteen, in seek of a better life and to live the American dream. Gilberto was an active member of; Love International Church. His Christian faith was central to his life and often encouraged others with God’s love.

Gilberto was a wonderful dad, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend. He loved to cook, travel and spending time with family & friends. Gilberto was known for his funny jokes and his sense of humor. He loved entertaining everyone with them. He loved to travel and did not ever seem that he would slow down. Gilberto’s favorite foods; Shrimp, carne asada and fresh fruit. He would cook his own shrimp and enjoyed peeling them too.

His loving daughter writes:

“Dad, I give thanks to God to have allowed me to be with you the last few months. The last day that I saw you was when I took you to the hospital before your parting and you caressed my arm, I felt your warmth as when I was a little girl, your baby girl and thank me for being there with you. I watched you suffer, I saw you die, but all I could do, was sit close by. You went away, we had to part, God eased your pain, but broke my heart. I know it was not your choice to leave but God called you home. I pray that God will give me the strength and somehow get me through… As I struggle with the heartache that came when I lost you”

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Road, in Goodyear, Arizona at 8:30AM. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 9:30AM. Burial Services will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale, Arizona following the funeral.