Orlando F Duarte

Orlando Fernando Duarte, 65, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020 at Baptist Hospital in Miami, Florida. Orlando was born May 2, 1954 to Balbino and Azolen Duarte. He was the oldest of five children. He graduated from the Academia Military de Nicaragua.

Orlando served in the Nicaraguan Military and had numerous adventures and experiences to share. Land, air, or sea—Orlando seized the opportunity to take on any challenge that was placed in front of him. Countless hours were spent navigating the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea as a captain of his own coastguard ship. Orlando completed over 1,000 jumps out of an airplane parachuting and lived out his dream of sky piloting a plane. He was well respected and admired by his countrymen and peers.

In his time after serving in the military, Orlando ventured to the United States to start a new chapter in his life. He began working hard labor jobs and eventually came across the opportunity to work at the Miami International Airport where he managed a small airline company for 30 years. He then celebrated the investiture to one of the most impactful people in his life, Judge Richard Hersch. Orlando gladly accepted the opportunity to become Judge Hersch’s official and Bailiff. Orlando took great pride in any uniform he wore and made sure that he fulfilled any task to the fullest—the shiniest shoes of the courthouse and a uniform in the most pristine condition. Aside from his high work ethic, Orlando most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to dance, take care of his plants, watch action movies, play along with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, enjoy the occasional glass of wine from time to time, and most of all, tell stories of his life.

Orlando is survived by his mother, Azolen, father, Balbino Duarte; wife, Hilda; daughters, Xiloa Duarte and Julie Duarte; sons, Orlando Duarte Jr., Bermang Duarte and Fernando Duarte Jr. Jr.; grandchildren, Naeve Duarte, Kaitlyn Duarte, Mila Valentina Duarte and Alex Duarte; sisters, Zoila Duarte, Nydia Duarte and Anita Bent; brother, Adalberto Duarte and a numerous amount of cousins, nieces and nephews. Orlando was preceded in death by his son, Fernando Duarte Jr. (twin of Orlando Duarte Jr.).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Caballero Rivero Westchester - 8200 Bird Road, Miami, FL 33155 from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral home is taking family and friends by rotation.

Family 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Military friends 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

Courthouse friends 5:00pm – 7:30pm.

Family friends 7:30pm – 9:00pm.

Please call Orlando’s son, Fernando, for any questions and concerns at (305) 333-2089. Since we are in the midst of a pandemic, please keep this contact for future plans of celebrating Orlando’s life where we can all be together. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caballero Rivero Westchester. Please contact Janelle Leon or Claudia Centeno (305) 227 – 3344 for more information.