Sigfrido Humberto Duarte

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sigfrido Humberto Duarte, age 69, of Wayne, NJ.

Sigfrido passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.  He was born and raised in San  Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic and was one of six children to Samuel and Maria Japonesa Duarte. 

Sigfrido attended a local high school in San Francisco and graduated with the class of 1972. Following his graduation from high school, he attended Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo where he earned his Degree in Veterinary Medicine.  Sigfrido worked as a Veterinarian in both the public and private sector. After seven years of private practice as a veterinarian, Sigfrido furthered his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education.

In 1991, Sigfrido immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. He held a series of odd jobs, including selling "Piragua" drinks during the summers in Washington Heights, before accepting a position with the New York State Board of Education as a science teacher.  After many years of working with the New York Board of Education, Sigfrido moved back to the Dominican Republic.  Sigfrido remained in the Dominican Republic for about seven years then moved to Spain in 2009.  In 2011, Sigfrido and his family relocated again, moving back to the United States, this time settling in NJ. Sigfrido and his family would call Wayne their home for the rest of their lives.  Sigfrido eventually retired in 2017.

Every morning when heading for University in the Dominican Republic, Sigfrido found himself waiting at a bus stop nestled in front of a charming house. His attention was captivated by the graceful presence of a young attractive woman named Rosario Molina.  Sigfrido, struck by her beauty, mustered the courage to strike up a conversation. The bus stop became a stage for a delightful encounter as they exchanged stories and laughter.  As fate would have it, they fell in love and on April 24, 1982 the two exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife.

The newlyweds settled in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  While residing there, the couple welcomed the birth of their “one and only”, their daughter Charina.  As Sigfrido relocated throughout his life, Rosario was always by his side. 

Sigfrido, a self-taught artist with an unwavering passion for creativity, embarked on a remarkable journey as he showcased his unique artistic vision in exhibitions across the United States and various foreign countries. He had a natural talent and an insatiable desire to express himself through his craft in abstract art as well as landscape style paintings.  Sigfrido's artwork resonated with audiences worldwide.  He was a member of local and international art groups and was also a long-time member of the College of Veterinarian Medicine in the Dominican Republic.

Those who knew Sigfrido best knew that his greatest passion in life was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Sigfrido than spending time with and providing for his family.  He and his wife Rosario cherished forty-one years of loyal and loving marriage together.  He was not only devoted to his family but also to his Catholic Faith.  Sigfrido and his family were parishioners of St Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes for many years. 

There was not a topic or situation that Sigfrido would not make a joke about.  His quick wit and infectious sense of humor made him truly loved by everyone around him and a pleasure to be around.  Sigfrido also had the gift of being able to captivate an audience of any age with his talent to tell a story. 

Sigfrido will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was truly a special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Sigfrido is survived by his wife Rosario E Molina of Wayne, his daughter Charina Duarte and her husband Miguel Rosado of Wayne, his mother Maria J Hernandez of Hartford, CT, three sisters; Vanessa Duarte of Hartford, CT, Quisaira Duarte of Hartford, CT, and Julia Duarte of Hartford, CT, two brothers; Martin Duarte and his wife Altagracia of the Dominican Republic, and Samuel Duarte of Hartford, CT, and three grandchildren; Leah Rosado, Ian Rosado, and Amy Rosado.