Carlos Duarte

Carlos Duarte passed away peacefully at his home in Roseville, California on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He was 87 years old. Carlos was a proud U.S. Army veteran, a valued member of his community, and the cherished patriarch of the Duarte family.

Born in Tegoripa, Sinaloa, Mexico in 1937, Carlos immigrated to Oakland, California at the age of 16. He served his adopted country with honor, inducted in the U.S. Army – Infantry, 1 st Armored Division in 1961. He was deployed during key moments in American history, including readiness for the Cuban Missile Crisis and mobilization in support of the desegregation of the University of Alabama in 1963. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and was Honorably Discharged in 1967. Carlos proudly became a United States citizen in 1984.

On April 24, 1965, Carlos married the love of his life, Teresita Diaz, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Oakland. Together they built a loving home in Roseville, California, where they raised their four children and became deeply involved in the community. Carlos was a talented silversmith and the long-time owner of Carlos Silver, a business he operated for over 50 years. He also briefly owned and operated "Casa Duarte," a Mexican restaurant in the early 1970s. He was a founding coach and supporter of the Roseville Youth Soccer Club and Placer United Soccer Club, and the first coach of Roseville's competitive soccer team. He dedicated many years to coaching soccer and coached several years of recreational youth softball. Carlos also loved watching Mexico's National Soccer Team and the San Francisco Giants. Carlos was a humble man, yet he was held in high esteem by the youth he coached and their parents. Carlos is also remembered by the patrons of Carlos Silver who followed him to various local and national Cowboy Western Rodeos and events throughout California, Nevada, Idaho, Texas, and internationally, many of whom bought their first headstall and buckle from Carlos – and over the years greeted him as "Pop."

A man of deep faith, Carlos was a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church from 1972 until his passing. He was a member of the Guadalupe Society, serving the Latino community during the 1970s and 1980s.

Carlos is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Teresita Duarte; his children, Carlos, Lilia, Marisa and Ricardo Duarte; his grandchildren, Enrique Jr. and Cristian Salazar; Carlos and Rubi Lott; Ava, Hazel and Ian Duarte; and his sons and daughters in-law, Enrique Salazar, Jose Lott, Jo Duarte and Stephanie Duarte.

Carlos will be remembered for his integrity, service, generosity, and the love he gave freely to his family, friends, and community. His life was truly remarkable, and his legacy will continue through all those who had the honor of knowing him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 7100 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights, California: Rosary begins at 12PM Noon; Catholic Mass at 1PM; Interment – 2PM.