May 25, 2025- Joao Pedro Lopes Duarte "Djoni", 45, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 25, 2025. Born in Ilha D’Brava, Cabo Verde, Djoni immigrated to the United States in 1988 and made his home in Pawtucket, RI.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his beloved sons: Jalen Duarte, Marcus Duarte, and Shey O’Reilly. Djoni is also survived by his devoted mother, Clotilde Gomes Lopes “Nazare”; his brothers, Jose Lopes-Duarte, Paul Lopes-Duarte, and Adilson Lopes-Duarte; his sister Analisa Duarte, nephew Andre Medeiros Duarte and his two brothers and his life partner, Jessica O’Reilly—the love of his life.
He was predeceased by his father, Pedro Tavares Duarte, and his cherished maternal grandmother, “Bia D’Dafo.”

Djoni is also remembered by a host of loving maternal aunts and uncles: Filomena Alves (Filo), Maria Lopes, Luisa Lopes Pires “Luizinha,” Antonio Lopes “Totoi,” Joao Lopes, and Joaquim Lopes “Jack,” as well as dozens of cousins and a multitude of dear friends. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love and memories he shared with us will live on in our hearts. We are all truly blessed to have known him.

Djoni was loved by everyone who knew him. Known for his laid-back, “nada a’ver” personality, he had a deep love for his family, cookouts, Dragon, basketball, football, and his hats. He especially loved taking over the BBQ grill—where his warmth and humor always brought people together.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865. A Christian Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 32 Lawn Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860.Please meet directly at the church. Interment will follow at Swan Point Cemetery Chapel, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906.

"For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have everlasting life."
— John 3:16