Duarte Botelho

Duarte Emanuel Botelho

September 6, 1942 - January 1, 2022

Duarte Botelho, a long time resident of Bristol RI, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Sao Miguel Azores, and a Bermudian of 15 years, he then settled in Bristol RI.

Duarte believed hard work was necessary to make a better life.  He started working on a farm at 12 years old after losing his parents at a young age.  He was a member of the Sao Miguel military from 1963 to 1966. In Bermuda he became a landscaper and worked at a hospital.  He and his wife started Botelho's Upholstery in 1995.

Music brought him great joy in his life, as a child he would go to watch different band practices.  The first instrument he learned to play was the harmonica.  He then became a band member of Filimanica De Agua de Pau, Sao Miguel.  As a member of The Bermuda Regiment Band, he had the honor of playing for the Queen of England.  When he moved to Bristol he became a member of the Portuguese Independent Band (PIC).  He played a variety of instruments including the accordion, trumpet, drums, and tuba.  He loved playing fado, and Christmas Caroling door to door. 

Duarte loved his family and had a passion for videography.  He could be found at holidays videoing funny times with the family.  As a service to his community he provided video for the local Portuguese channel, which included filming masses for those who were unable to attend.

Duarte is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Maria Nascimento, and his four children:  Joao Botelho (fiancée Cheryl Lemieux); Alcina Brown (husband Robert Brown); Jose Botelho; and Steven Botelho (wife Tammy Botelho).  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Amanda Bouchard, Ashley Silvia, Shane Botelho, Jacob Silvia, Krystal Botelho, Ashtin Botelho, and Kadin Botelho, and 4 great grandchildren.  He leaves behind his brother Victor Botelho of Canada and his sisters Gilda Faria of Sao Miguel, and Maria Eduarda Azeredo of Canada.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

He will be dearly missed.

His funeral services will be held Friday, January 7th, 10 AM from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High Street, Bristol with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church 577 Wood Street, Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours are Thursday 4 - 8 PM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Duarte Botelho, please visit our floral store.