Philip A. Duarte

WOONSOCKET - Philip A. Duarte, 76, of Grandview Ave, died Aug. 25, 2016, in Landmark Medical Center, after a long battle with cancer. He passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Born in Woonsocket, he was the youngest son of the late Ambrose M. Duarte Sr. and Rose (Victor) Duarte. He was a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Philip joined the Woonsocket Police Department in 1968 and served for 22 years, before rising through the ranks and retiring in 1990, with the rank of Lieutenant.

During this time, he received numerous citations, most notably from the Town of Blackstone for coming to the aid of one of their officers and assisting in the apprehension of a suspect armed with a shotgun. He also was cited by the State of Rhode Island for his part in the apprehension of the last at large suspect in the famed Bonded Vault Robbery of 1975.

While on the police force, he earned an associate's degree in law enforcement, from then-Bryant College, in 1976.

Prior to joining the police department, he served as an ACI correctional officer. After retiring from the department, he served for a period of time as a U.S. Marshal, a state constable and a security specialist for various organizations. He was a member of the F.O.P. and a former member of the Woonsocket Jaycees.

Phil was an avid lifelong golfer before he became ill, obtaining two holes in one, during his time on the links. In his younger days, he was a well-known power hitter on the softball fields of Northern Rhode Island, as well as playing in the Woonsocket Municipal Football League. He was an avid New England sports fan, except for when it came to football and his outspoken affection for his beloved New York Giants.

He is survived by his three sons, Philip Duarte Jr. and his wife Tina, Gary Duarte and Mark Duarte and his wife Christina, all of Woonsocket; a sister, Theresa White of Oxnard, Calif., and a brother, John Duarte of Woonsocket; six granddaughters and four great-granddaughters. He was also the brother of the late Martin Costa, Benjamin Costa, Jean (Costa) Andrade and Ambrose Duarte Jr.

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. in the S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1583 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895. Relatives and friends are invited; calling hours are on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial with Military Honors will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. sdipardomcfh.com