James M. Duberek, 76, of Newport, RI, passed away at home on February 7, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Cheu Mei (Chow) Duberek for 53 years.
Born in Meriden, CT, he was raised by the late Allen and Rose Meyer who adopted him at the age of 2.
James honorably served in the U.S. Navy, he enlisted in 1968 and retired with honorable discharge on November 1, 1997. He proudly defended our freedoms and ensured the safety of our shores. Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked full-time with the City of Newport Police Department, while working part-time with the Maher Center. After retiring with the City of Newport after 15 years, he then went full time working in the Maher Center until his final retirement. His commitment to protecting and serving extended beyond his time in the military and the police department. He was truly a man of his community who went above and beyond for his family and for others.
James was a true family man and a devout Catholic who attended Mass in Jesus Saviour Church every Saturday with his daughter Maryann, and grandchildren, Jordan, and Chris.
James is survived by his wife, Cheu Mei Duberek, his children; YiChing (Mitch) Chizik, of Jacksonville, FL, Yen (Kayoko) Duberek, of Allen, TX, Maryann Smith, of Middletown, Michael (Dawn) Duberek, of Middletown, his siblings; Barbara Stevenson, of New London, CT, Rosalie Tibbets, of El Paso, TX, and his grandchildren, Josh, Kayla, Alex, Chris, Jacob, Andy, and Jordan.
James is preceded in death by his brother, Sammie Meyer.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 9:00 AM in Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport, RI. Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery, East Main Road, Portsmouth.
Tributes
Russell Hayes wrote on Feb 11, 2024:
"To the entire Duberek family and extended family, my condolences on the passing of Jim. I was fortunate enough to have gotten to know Jim when he worked at the police department, we even ended up working together in the Service Division. I had many conversations and many laughs working with him. I always considered him a friend and I will miss him.
To Jim, thank you for your loyal service to this nation, the City of Newport, the Marher Center and especially your family. You were a kind man and a cherished friend.
Capt. Russell Hayes, NPD (RET) "
David Greenfield wrote on Feb 10, 2024:
"Sorry to hear of Mr Duberek's passing. His home was always open to My wife and I when ever we visited. Our Condolences to the Family.
Sincerely David & Shirley Greenfield "
Patrick Shea wrote on Feb 10, 2024:
"I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I met him when he came to work for the city at NPD. We always had good conversations in the early mornings and I always looked for the wave of his when I was back in town after retirement. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. My he rest in peace.
Patrick Shea
NPD Detective (Ret.)"
Anita Butler wrote on Feb 10, 2024:
"Whenever my husband and I would see Mr. D, he always had a smile and a hello for us. Our thoughts are with his family. "
Carole Hopkins wrote on Feb 9, 2024:
"So sorry to hear of Uncle Jimmy?s passing. My love, thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. Carole (Stevenson) Hopkins"