On Monday January 10th, 2022 at 10:05 pm, our world changed forever due to the unexpected death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, co-worker and friend, Gerry Duque.  He recently celebrated his birthday on December 27th and lived to be 77 years old.  We are absolutely devastated by our Dad’s passing. He persevered through many serious health issues and surgeries, and always faced them with bravery.  This last illness, however, proved too much for his vulnerable body.  We are so heartbroken but also full of hope and trust that he is now able to rest in peace with our Lord Jesus in heaven and his loved ones.

Gerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and son.  He was an honorable man who also loved and greatly honored his mother and the memory of his father.  He garnered respect from others with his charming, colorful personality and unique sense of humor.  His easy-going leadership style and masterful skill of arts were an inspiration to many.  Anytime we needed words of encouragement, Dad would be that pillar of support in our family and while it was not always easy, he always made us feel loved, cared-for and secure.  He shared 51 years of marriage with his loving wife Ester and together they had 5 children and 10 grandchildren.  He loved his family so much.

Vincente Gerardo "Gerry" Paguia Duque was born on December 27th, 1944 to his mother, Conception Duque and USAFF Captain Armando Duque, who was taken as a POW and killed before his birth.  He was their only child.

Gerry grew up with his cousins, Martita, Dong, Bonnie and Cecy in Makati, Philippines.  In 1952, he moved to the United States with his mother and went to elementary school in New York for several years before returning back to the Philippines.

Gerry attended high school at Collegio de Letran and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Manila, where he studied Fine Arts and Journalism.  He was Grand Chancellor of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity at the University of Santo Tomas and in the United States.  He went on to achieve a diploma in Criminal Investigation working for the Philippines CIA as a Special Agent.  He also worked for Philippine Airlines.

Gerry and Ester met in Santa Cruz, Marinduque during her sister's wedding.  They married in 1970, then immigrated to the United States in 1982, settling in Phoenix, AZ.

In Arizona, Gerry continued his work with the airlines, while Ester continued her work as a nurse. With their 5 children in tow, they somehow made it work and kept their children into private schools, sports and activities. 

In 1993, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where they established close friendships within the BLD (Bukas Loob Sa Diyos) Filipino Catholic Community.  Gerry volunteered his vast artistic, journalistic talents and knowledge to articulate ideas to many organizations and felt a deep connection to helping those in need.

In 1997, Gerry retired from the airlines. He endured hemodialysis for seven years starting in 2004 and had cardiac bypass surgery in 2008.  Blessed to have found a matching kidney donor, Gerry had a successful transplant surgery in 2010.  This allowed him to enjoy his life and his family much longer.  

Besides his deep love for God and family, Gerry enjoyed traveling, drawing and painting, writing, photography, astrophotography, playing piano, karaoke, theme parks, watching movies and basketball.  He loved to sit and watch the sunset.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 51 years Ester, children Chiky, Armando (Rebecca), Cathy (EJ), Apple (Tony), and Chris (Denise).  Grandchildren: Caitlyn, Kayla, Sydny, Max, Ian, Celina, Angie, Caden, Mia and Bella.