Virgilio Duarte

New Bedford - Virgilio Duarte, age 87, of New Bedford, MA passed away sadly on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Maria deLurdes (Cardoso) Duarte for 59 wonderful years.

Born in Cidreira, Coimbra, Portugal, he was the son of the late Jose Duarte and Teresa DeJesus. Virgilio immigrated to the U.S. on April 15, 1977 to give his family a new beginning. He had been so proud to become a U.S. Citizen on May 20, 1994.

Virgilio had worked as a machine operator at Dartmouth Finishing Co. until his retirement. He loved Portugal and for the last 18 years he had lived, both in Portugal and in the U.S. He also loved soccer and was an avid fan of Benfica.

Virgilio is survived by his wife, Maria deLurdes Cardoso Duarte; his three children, Maria Lourdes Pine and her husband Joe, Rui Duarte and his wife Ana Paula and Carlos Miguel Duarte and his wife Paula; his grandchildren, Justin and Phillip Pine, Kyle and Jared Duarte, Thomas Joseph Corso, Melissa Corso and Emma and Zachary Benoit. He was the great-grandfather of Amalia Beatriz, Gabriel Alexander and Maximo Xavier. He also leaves behind his only living sister, Beatriz Rodrigues DaSilva of Portugal, who is 103 years young; his sister-in-law, Aurora Ventura and her husband Manny; as well as many nieces, nephews and a world of friends.

Virgilio was predeceased by his daughter, Maggie Duarte and his siblings, Laurinda Pinto, Utalina Cortez, Ilda Duarte Vaz, Maria Duarte Fernandes and Jose Duarte.

Virgilio’s funeral services will be private for immediate family only.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.