Ricardo Duren

Ricardo Duren, affectionately known to his family as “Cardo” and to some as “Los” was born on July 16, 1972 in Washington, DC to Claretta Duren and the late Lindell Nelson.  Our most beloved son, brother, father, nephew, family member, coach, mentor and friend departed this life suddenly on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his residence. 

07/Cardo grew up in an inner-city housing complex where he could have easily gone astray, but he was fortunate and blessed to have been surrounded by a strong family structure and good role models.  He saw the good in everyone he met and would look past any negativity. His attitude was what shaped him into becoming the great man that he was.  Growing up, Cardo met some of the most amazing lifetime friends that indeed included the Tyger, Moochie, Water and Romeo.  

Cardo accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and attended the Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church.  He graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School and continued his education at Bowie State University; his favorite activity was playing basketball and the basketball court was where you would most likely find him.  He started playing basketball for the #2 Boys and Girls Club under the leadership of the late Mr. Bill Butler and Mr. Julius Wyatt.  He played for the Terrell Junior High and Dunbar Senior High School basketball teams, and was also blessed to have basketball role models in his life along with the admiration he had for his uncles, John (Bay-Bay) and Lonnie Duren who had a love for basketball as well.  Ricardo’s love and passion for basketball led him to become an assistant coach for the Dunbar Senior High School Boys Basketball Team. As Ricardo grew older, he became an avid sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of the LA Lakers and the SF49ers, and everyone knew when the game was on because he was the loudest in the room.  Also, Cardo loved to travel and have many game nights with his cousins. 

Cardo worked with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Law firm prior to working as a Roving Leader Outreach Coordinator at various locations for the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) until his passing. He served between the Brentwood Recreation Center, the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and Dunbar Senior High School.  He also, love mentoring young kids and encouraging them to stay on the right path. He truly loved his job!  

Cardo had so much love to give to everyone and this love was reciprocated by others in return.  He had that electrifying energy that you would remember for a life time with just one encounter with him. One Facebook friend stated, “My brother from another mother was LOYAL, CARING, WITH A HEART OF GOLD, and he was truly one of God’s servants.” Cardo cared about people in the purest way; he loved them for who they were and often wished them the best without asking for anything in return.  When we think of Ricardo, we are reminded of the Scripture in 2 Chronicles 15:7“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”  His greatest passion was being a servant to the communities.  Ricardo, along with two of his co-workers initiated the back-to-school book bag giveaway with supplies at the Brentwood Recreation Center to make sure all youth in the community were prepared on the first day of school.  After initiating the book bag giveaway, he started a turkey basket giveaway.  Cardo took pride and joy in hosting these annual giveaways, and no matter how smooth or chaotic they were or became, he strived to do better the next year.  He loved having his “team family” helping him out and partnered with other organizations at the same time to ensure the events would be a success.

Cardo was a strong advocate for the Brentwood Young @ Heart Senior Group of the Brentwood Recreation Center in Northeast Washington, DC.  There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the seniors, and they felt the same way about him. He made sure they had book bags for their grandchildren and turkeys before anyone else got theirs.  

Cardo was a loving father to his daughter, Ashlei Gentry who was the apple of his eye; she stole his heart from the very moment he saw her and a lock was placed on it.  It has been said, “Anyone can become a dad, but it takes a special man to become a real father.”  With the immeasurable love Cardo had for his daughter, the greatest regret is he will not be able to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.  Cardo also loved being a personal uber driver for his late grandmother Edith Duren and his mom.  He was there front and center taking them to their medical appointments, dinners, and other various trips when needed.  Cardo created our family motto “One Family, One Love”.

Cardo, you were our beloved, shining, happy go lucky guy, the light of our lives and the star of our hearts, but we still thank God that we are able to smile between our tears because we have so many fond memories that you left behind.  We will definitely miss how picky you were with your food, your jokes, that big smile, those dimples and the positive energy you exerted around others.  Yes, we realize you are gone too soon, but we will see you in the morning! Take your rest~

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