William Gallardo Duarte

William Gallardo Duarte “Willie” of Garden Grove was born in Silver City, New Mexico and went home to be with The Lord on August 16, 2021. He was preceded by his love and wife of 63 years Ramona. He is survived by his son Jerry Duarte & his wife Holly; Mary Alice “Maria” Duarte-Siber; William R. Duarte & his wife Francine; Tina Marie Duarte; three grandchildren Nina Siber, Holly Mattson & her husband Mike; Noél Siber; three great grandchildren & three step grandchildren.

William was the oldest of children born to Luis Varela Duarte of Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico & Antonia Gallardo of NM. After his father’s illness from working in the New Mexico silver mines, his family moved back to Luis’s birthplace in Mexico. After losing his father in 1943, his family moved back to Anaheim, CA “La Colonia Independencia” where he met his next-door neighbor, Ramona Romero who became the love of his life, and his beloved wife. He worked multiple labor-intensive jobs such as citrus picking, oil refineries, metal shops, Aerojet General then Ford Aerospace while raising their four children.

He was active in the church, and loved his family life. He loved playing his guitar and singing at family celebrations. He was always there for his family in health and sickness making sure everyone’s needs were met and provided a good family life. He took his family on travel to many places throughout his lifetime and extensively traveled with his wife abroad.

Anyone needing a helping hand got one. Always. He was of that rare breed of people affectionately call “buena gente.” His word was “as good as gold”, he never did anything to hurt anyone, was a humble, kind, and Godly man. He was a rare gem and we feel lucky to have been blessed with him as our father, brother, and grandfather. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He was with us for a short while, with God forever, never to be forgotten. In his presence there was always jokes, laughter, music, & joy. People gravitated to him. The world has lost a very good, special man with a kind soul, but he left the world a much better place. He was a friend and Dad to all who crossed his path.

Viewing will be held on September 2, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Anaheim, 2425 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801

Funeral Mass will be held September 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 8100 Chapman Ave., Stanton, CA 90680

Interment follows Mass at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 East Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.92869

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelanaheim.com for the Duarte family.