Harlan Lloyd Duarte went home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2010. He was born on October 10, 1929 in Hayward, California to Rudolph and Hortense Duarte, where he grew up going to school and playing baseball with his brother Kenneth and his best friend Bob Valin. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Leola Cecelia Duarte, whom he met through one of her best friends, Virginia. Harlan and “Lee” spent the first 52 years of their marriage in several California towns (Newark, Fremont, Arnold and Angels Camp) working, raising children and enjoying life with friends and family. In the summer of 2003, they decided to move to North Port, Florida to enjoy the many benefits of the retirement life that the beautiful state offers. His is also survived by their three children Linda Lee, Michael Kevin and Larry Steven, as well as his son-in-law Cody Richardson, granddaughters Jessica Lee and Ashlee Rose, daughter-in-law Barbara Duarte, his brother Kenneth and his niece Lisa Duarte. Whatever job he did, whether it was long-time manager of Lucky’s Food Stores, serving as a mailman, an owner/operator of his own business or doing a project around the house, he did it with an impeccable and inspiring work ethic. He loved his family much and often encouraged us to be thankful for each other, what we have and to cultivate the ability to laugh at ourselves. We will cherish the memories of his laughter, his good-natured fun, his desire to win board games and his endless sweet tooth. In his journal, he often wrote thanks to God for His “glorious creation”, especially the ocean, calling it “beautiful” and “wonderful”, rejoicing in spectacular sunsets and sea water that looked like glass. His favorite books of the bible were Psalms and Proverbs which he read daily and his favorite chapter in Proverbs was chapter 4. He had a knack for being a friend to all he met and we’re sure he’s already made many new friends in heaven. We look forward to seeing him again when we one day will also go home to be with the Lord. Visitation will be held at Farley Funeral Home in North Port from 12:45pm to 2:15pm, with a graveside service to follow at 2:45pm at Venice Memorial Gardens in Venice. Farley Funeral Home in North Port is handling the arrangements.