1
tree
planted in memory of Robert "Bobby" J. Duarte
Obituary for Robert "Bobby" J. Duarte
Robert “Bobby” J. Duarte, 76, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 29, 1948 in Ludlow Massachusetts. He was the son of Joseph Duarte Jr. and Ezaura “Hazel” (Miranda) Duarte Lima.
Bobby was predeceased by his wife Sherri Duarte in 2020 and his sister Rosemary Lima in 2002. He is survived by his three sons Robert J. Duarte Jr. and wife Beth, Colton J. Duarte, Devin Duarte; daughter Shauna Ziemba and husband Mike; and his two grandsons Brayden and Michael. Bobby leaves behind his brothers Dennis and David, and sisters Lisa and Judy, along with their spouses and children; as well as cousins and so many friends.
Bobby was a 1966 Ludlow High School graduate where he excelled in soccer, baseball, and basketball and was later inducted into the Ludlow Hall of Fame for all three. Bobby graduated from Mitchell College in 1968 where he was inducted into the hall of fame there for soccer, basketball and baseball. Following that Bobby went on to the University of Bridgeport where he graduated in 1970 with a degree in Spanish. While there he played soccer and basketball and was inducted into the University of Bridgeport Hall of Fame for basketball where he still holds the record for the most points scored in one game at 48 points.
Bobby’s elite athletic skills allowed him the opportunity to play soccer professionally overseas in Europe with a hand selected team of college athletes. His passion for sports didn’t stop there. He was known locally for coaching Holyoke Community and many of his sons teams along with reffing. Bobby spent countless hours on the soccer fields and loved every minute of it. He spent many years working at the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club where he was dedicated to sharing his knowledge of sports with so many and also as a substitute teacher at Ludlow High School. Bobby retired from Springfield Label and Tape in 2020.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 24th at Ludlow Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-6:30 pm concluding with a service in the funeral home at 6:30pm. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family and in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob's memory to the Ludlow Community Center Randall Boys and Girls Club.
To plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bobby" J. Duarte, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
24
Jul
4:00 PM
- 6:30 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
Wednesday
24
Jul
6:30 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
At the Convenience of the Family
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