Armando G. Duarte Sr.

Armando Duarte passed away on Wednesday March 13, 2024 at the Veterans Administration hospital in Tucson AZ.

He is survived by his wife Lydia M. Duarte, sons Armando Jr. Duarte (Rainie), Abel Cocio and daughter Christina Rock (Jeff). He had eleven grandchildren, Mikaela, Aliyah Andrew, Harmony, Aria, Alina, Crystal, Ysabelle, Abel Jr. Syanna, Cassandra and one great grandchild Syniah. He has wonderful Nieces and Nephews, cousins and friends.

He was reunited with Michelle Duarte his daughter in Heaven. Armando loved his daughter, she was a beautiful soul.

Armando loved the U of A Wildcats from Football to the Basketball games. He used to usher the games just to have a front seat to the game. When the boys Basketball team won the NCAA Tournament in 1997 he got all their signatures including Lute Olson on his basketball. He was so proud.

He also was proud to serve his Country. He enlisted into the Army while he was at Pueblo high school He served two tours. He received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was a platoon leader and when someone died in the war he put their body on his shoulder and carried them back. He did not want the family to not have the son’s body left behind. Armando sacrificed a lot during his tours. But if you would ask him if he would do it again, I’m sure his response will be yes!

Armando Duarte worked very hard to provide for his family. We as kids looked forward to Friday’s Pay Day!! We also go to order out and enjoy a meal. That also meant Little Mandito got his toy.

While we will miss you tremendously – we will never forget what you meant to our family and what you did to help keep us free in our country.

With lots of love, Lily, Armando Jr, Abel, and Tina.