Frederick “Fred” Duarte, a lifelong Tucson resident whose professional life centered on the local tire business and whose personal life revolved around family, died on July 3, 2026, in his hometown. He was 69. Duarte was born May 29, 1957, in Tucson and spent his life in the community where he was raised, attending Tucson High School before beginning a career that would last decades.
After graduating from Tucson High School, Duarte launched a long-standing career in the tire trade, eventually spending more than 20 years with Jack Furriers. Coworkers and customers came to know him as a dependable presence on the shop floor and behind the counter; he remained with the company for years, building relationships that outlasted daily transactions. His work was a throughline in a life characterized by steady labor, a commitment to family and a welcoming approach to friends and neighbors.
Duarte’s family occupied the center of his life. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, who shared his life and supported him through the years. His children include daughter Monique Duarte and her husband George Corral; son Frederick “Freddy” Duarte and his wife Theresa Krosse; and son Dominic Duarte and his wife Elia Corrales. Duarte’s household expanded with grandchildren, among them Dominic Duarte, Axel Duarte, Noah Duarte, Gabriel Corral, JJ, Ava, Landon, Kelis, Jacob, Dakoda, Harley and Kolby. He also leaves stepchildren Jason, Tiffany and Nicholas Kusmit; Nicholas is noted alongside his wife, Maggie.
Duarte was a member of a large extended family. He is survived by sisters Linda (and her husband Mike), Keta, Tina and Susie, and by brothers David and Fernando. Nieces, nephews and long-time friends were also listed among those who will carry forward memories of him. The obituary and service notices emphasize the many relationships Duarte maintained over the years—those born of blood, marriage and neighborhood ties.
Those who knew Duarte described him as someone who brought humor and warmth to routine interactions. He was said to have a quick joke ready as an opening line, and he favored making those around him comfortable. Family and friends recalled a man who worked hard but prioritized shared meals, hospitality and laughter at the center of his home. The obituary highlights his role as a mentor and friend to colleagues, and as a proud father and grandfather who took visible pleasure in the achievements of his children and grandchildren.
Outside of work and family life, Duarte had a number of personal interests. He followed the University of Arizona Wildcats and enjoyed fishing. He also tended carefully to plants and trees at home and was known for the aromas that filled his kitchen; his cooking was noted as a gift he shared with family and guests. Photographs shared with the family and funeral home include images of Duarte fishing by a lakeshore, a pasttime that reflected both patience and a preference for quiet hours outdoors.
A visitation to honor Frederick “Fred” Duarte will take place on July 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Martinez Funeral Chapels - Tucson, located at 2580 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85713. Services are being provided by Martinez Funeral Chapels - Tucson. Family, friends and members of the community who knew Duarte through work, family connections or neighborhood ties have been invited to pay their respects and share memories at the visitation.
Frederick 'Fred' Duarte photographed fishing by a lakeshore; visitation is scheduled July 15 at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Tucson, Arizona.
Those wishing to leave remembrances or condolences are directed to the funeral home’s obituary page, where memories and messages can be submitted. The family has also noted options for memorial gestures, including planting trees in Duarte’s memory. The funeral home is handling arrangements and the obituary indicates visitors may view additional photos and leave messages through the arrangements provider’s website.
Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care, where Duarte spent more than 20 years of his career, is a long-established, family-owned Tucson tire and auto-care chain that began more than six decades ago as a small brake shop and now operates more than a dozen locations around Tucson and southern Arizona.
Martinez Funeral Chapels – Tucson, which is handling the arrangements at 2580 S. 6th Ave., can be reached by phone at (520) 547-3400 (the funeral home lists that number as its main/24-hour contact).