Lupe Ramirez Duarte

Lupe Ramirez Duarte, a resident of Newark, California, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 84. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on November 19, 1940, in Malaga, New Mexico, Lupe was the son of Jose and Alberta (Ramirez) Duarte.

Lupe was married to Criselda Lujan Duarte for 65 years, a union marked by enduring love, devotion, and happiness. The couple’s life together began in Loving, New Mexico, where they had four children before relocating to California in October 1965. Following their move to California, they welcomed a fifth child into their family. Lupe’s family was the central focus of his life, bringing him profound joy, especially when his home was filled with loved ones. He took great delight in using his wit to make his family laugh, often teasing them in a lighthearted manner.

Lupe traveled extensively throughout the United States as a Foreman for Roof Structures of Oakland, California. He and his crew specialized in building and repairing roofs on both new and existing industrial buildings. With a wide range of skills, Lupe could be considered a jack-of-all-trades. His talents extended beyond his professional work, as he enjoyed restoring classic cars, including Mustangs and his own El Camino, with his crowning achievement being the restoration of his prized 1957 Ford Fairlane. In addition to his work with cars, Lupe was also skilled in home renovation, having remodeled his own home as well as those of his neighbors. He took great pleasure in creating a welcoming environment for his family, including planting fruit trees in his backyard for his grandchildren to enjoy. Lupe’s passion for building and creating also extended to furniture making, as he crafted various pieces, such as an entertainment center and bars, showcasing his attention to detail and dedication to his craft.

Lupe was a giving person, always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. His daily routine included a coffee at McDonald’s with his old time buddies. He derived great joy from spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often treating them to doughnuts, outings to the park, and attending their various activities, such as dance competitions, baseball games, and school plays.

He is preceded in death by his son Daniel Lujan Duarte, and parents Jose and Alberta Duarte, brother Enrique Duarte, Antonio Duarte and Grandmother Antonia Duran Mendoza.

He is survived by his loving wife, Criselda Lujan Duarte, and their children, including daughters: Diana Alton and her husband Mike Alton, Delora Aldana, Deena Kleinman and her husband Roland Kleinman, and son: David Duarte. His grandchildren: Jay Michael Alton, Ashley Hoyt, Whitney Al-Dahle, Julie Conley, Lupe Duarte, Michael Duarte, Alexander Kleinman, Summer Aldana, David Duarte, Travis Duarte, and Gabriel Teixeira. Additionally, he has several great-grandchildren, including Tyler Jacobus, Riley Jacobus, Gracie Conley, TJ Conley, Maxximus Conley, Olivia Duarte, Jameson Alton, Ava Alton, Harper Hoyt, Mason Hoyt, Emily Hoyt, and twins Kaia and Kenzie Al-Dahle, as well as Ivy Isais, Romeo Pasaol, Faith Pasaol, Thomas Duarte, and Nathaniel Duarte. His family was the center of his life, bringing him immense joy, especially when his house was filled with all loved ones.

He is also survived by his brother, Jose Duarte, and sisters Elfie Mckie and Adela Caddell, who is married to Donnie Caddell.

Lupe had many godchildren: Augie Estrada, Freddy Vasquez (who passed), Avey Lujan, Gracie Salas, Jason Orosco, and Alex Kleinman

The pallbearers will be Lupe’s grandsons, Jay Alton, Michael Duarte, David Duarte, Tyler Jacobus, TJ Conley and Alex Kleinman.

We love and miss you deeply, and you will always be remembered and cherished through the memories we shared with you.