Joaquim "Jack" Manuel Duarte

Joaquim Manuel Duarte, aka “Jack” or “Papa,” passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 95. He was the beloved husband of the late Virginia Elizabeth (Leighton) Duarte, with whom he shared 68 loving years of marriage before her passing in 2019.

Born in Brava, Cape Verde, he was the son of the late Candida and Manuel Duarte. He became a citizen of the United States in 1948 and served as a Merchant Marine for a number of years before choosing to take a job on land with the Town of Scituate to be present day-to-day while raising his family with his wife, his ‘V’.

Always a contributor to his communities, he unquestionably lent a helping hand to friends and neighbors who became like extended family. After retirement, he continued to work as a school bus driver in Scituate, and after he and V moved to Florida, he worked as a school crossing guard. He cherished and kept loads of notes and cards from families and students, expressing admiration and the positive impact he made on their lives. He was awarded special recognition from Polk County, Florida, for his outstanding citizenship.

Jack and his wife enjoyed traveling all over the country in their motorhome, visiting friends they had made in nearly every state. They loved seeing the country up close. He had many stories to tell and loved to laugh and crack a wry joke. Jack enjoyed tending to his gardens and fruit trees. He took immense pride and joy in his family, a true family man. He sincerely loved people and made instant connections everywhere he went. He and V always had their home filled with loved ones, taking care to prepare signature dishes and making ordinary days a celebration. Their home was a harbor for many. Many evenings were filled with dancing in the living room. A love of music lifted him, and he was always the first on and last off every dance floor. He loved a ‘fast number’. He whistled his way through life.

Jack’s smile lit up every room, and his beautiful spirit brightened the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him. He saw the best in everyone, which brought out the best in everyone. His zest and love of life was unmatched. He may not have been financially wealthy, but he was rich in many ways and lived with a depth of humanity, gratitude, and generosity. He prayed every night, giving thanks for all his blessings and asking for the protection of those he loved. If he knew you and realized you were somehow struggling, know he took the time to add you to his prayers.

Father of Denise Maria Macedo, Jacqueline Jean Duarte, and the late Doreen Eloise Duarte (8/13/57 - 12/28/17)

Grandfather of Vanessa Lonborg and her husband John of Exeter, NH, Erica Flynn and her husband Jesse of Newburyport, MA, Brooke Hankins and her partner Brian Vigil of Albuquerque, NM, Jessica Klaus and her husband TJ of Los Lunas, NM, and his grandson Eric Watson of Albuquerque, NM.

Great-grandfather of Tuesday Klaus, Xavier Vigil, Cole Joaquim Lonborg, Odin Klaus, Dylan Flynn, Zephyr Klaus, Simone Lonborg, Vincent Flynn, Tatiana Vigil, Cosmo Klaus, and Nicholas Flynn.

Brother of Maria Duarte and the late George and Beatrice Duarte.

Also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held from 9 - 10:30 AM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA, followed by a graveside burial ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Meeting House Lane, Scituate, MA.

On August 30, 2025, his birth date, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Scituate Maritime Center from 10 AM - 2 PM. All are welcome to honor his memory that day by sharing their favorite stories of Jack, while enjoying good music and plenty of seafood.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joaquim’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes organization: www.massfallenheroes.org