Obituary of Robert Duarte

Robert Allen Duarte, native and life-long resident of Salinas, passed away at the age of 72 on October 15, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. Robert, known to many as "Bob", was the only son born to Lydia Ferreira and Joaquin "Smokey" Duarte on January 31, 1939. Robert attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Palma High School, graduating in 1957. He then served in the U.S. Army before returning to Salinas to work at Streater Store Fixtures, Mc Graw Hill and eventually Nestle's Chocolate. Robert married Jo Ann Vear of Watsonville and they had two sons, John of Watsonville and Bruce (Reyna) of Watsonville. He then married Linda Eaton of Watsonville and they had two sons, Matt (Kathy) of Reno, NV and Chris (Neysa) of Watsonville. He was an avid car collector and a big fan of racing and participated in Salinas High Timers and Cherries Jubilee in Monterey for many years. His passion was restoring old cars and hot rods. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joaquin and Lydia Duarte. He is survived by his four sons and six grandchildren, many cousins and his life-long friend, Roy Marci, who was like a brother to him. At his request, no funeral services will be held. Final resting place will be at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Salinas. The family suggests any donations in his memory, may be made to One's favorite charity.