Obituary of Augustine S. Duarte

Augustine Sanchez Duarte passed away peacefully at Hazel Hawkins Hospital with his Daughter by his side on his 89th Birthday, March 29, 2021. He was born on March 29, 1932 to Francisca and Augustine Duarte in the town of Heber, California. He and his family moved on to Firebaugh, San Jose, then settled in San Juan Bautista. He had 14 brothers and sisters and was the oldest of the boys. He is survived by 5 of his siblings: Lucy Herrera, Mary Avalos, Raymond Duarte (Amelia), Dolores Duarte and Sheila Duarte. Augustine lived most of his life in San Juan Bautista and Hollister. He was a well-known resident of Hollister since 1975. He met his wife of 66 years and best friend, Ruth, while attending a local dance. Together they built a family foundation of love and perseverance. He worked in the agricultural industry for many years before retiring. He loved helping others and was well known in his retirement years for helping repair the bikes of the children in his neighborhood. Augustine was the patriarch of his family and provided a strong example of how to be a loving and dedicated husband and father. He and Ruth were inseparable and went everywhere together. They enjoyed going to swap meets, garage sales and spending time with their family. Augustine especially loved music. All it took was a good ranchera song to put a smile on his face and get him dancing. He will be remembered for being a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Neighbor. Augustine was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth, just 3 months prior. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his 5 Siblings; his Daughter, Ruth Cindy Duarte; Son, Augustine Lara Duarte; Grandchildren, Leon Vasquez, Johnnie Duarte, Priscilla Metzer, Amanda Iboa (Alex), Shawnte Larios (Fred); 17 Great-Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great Grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family of Augustine Duarte encourages you to leave fond memories and photos on his Tribute Wall to cherish in the years to come. Visitation will be on Wedensday, April 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Thursday, April 8th, family and friends will meet at 11:00 a.m. at Mission San Juan Bautista for a Mass of the Resurrection. Interment will follow at San Juan District Cemetery.