Richard Paul Duarte Obituary (2023)

Richard Paul Duarte, beloved father, brother, and grandfather, went home to heaven on October 19, 2023, at his home in Ronald, WA. Adopted by parents Salvador and Rosie Duarte, Richard was born in Los Angeles on December 18, 1949. Richard was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was proud of his honorable service in the US Navy and to his country. He was also a proud graduate of UCLA (Go Bruins!), receiving his undergraduate degree, and later his master's at Central Washington University. Richard left an indelible impression on those who called him father, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher. Richard's devotion to his faith, enthusiasm for teaching, brilliant mind, generous spirit, and selfless heart impacted everyone who had the chance to know him. Along with his two beloved children, Richard leaves behind hundreds of students and track and field athletes whom he taught and coached during his 19 years as a teacher, 17 of which were spent at Selah High School, from August 2000 to June 2017. Even in his retirement, Richard was a teacher and coach to the end, never missing an opportunity to champion, support, and guide those around him. Richard is survived by his sisters, Laura Barnes and Pam Duarte, his son, Ryan, his daughter, Lauren, his five grandsons: Elijah, Oliver, Bryce, Max and Shiloh, and his granddaughter, Ashail. A service honoring his life will be held on Monday, November 20th at 10:30 am at Tahoma National Cemetery (18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Graveside Service Tahoma National Cemetery Monday, November 20, 2023 10:30 AM 18600 SE 240th Kent, WA