Bridgitte Booth
EMILE ANTHONY DURETTE
Emile Durette of Oakland, California passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was born in Mobile, Alabama on August 10, 1956 to Jesse Durette and Wilma Carl.
Emile attended Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland and the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, earning a B. A. degree in Economics. Continuing his interest in economics, he went on to become a Master of Arts candidate in International Economics and International Relations from 1981 to 1983 at Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Business Administration in 1990 from Harvard University.
For many years Emile worked as a management consultant and development director at various non-profit organizations, public agencies, and commercial enterprises. His most recent and favorite position was as a Management Analyst for the Alameda County Social Services Agency beginning in 2017. This position allowed him to fully realize his passion for working with underserved people to find practical ways to improve their economic circumstances.
Emile attended Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland and the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, earning a B. A. degree in Economics. Continuing his interest in economics, he went on to become a Master of Arts candidate in International Economics and International Relations from 1981 to 1983 at Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Business Administration in 1990 from Harvard University.
For many years Emile worked as a management consultant and development director at various non-profit organizations, public agencies, and commercial enterprises. His most recent and favorite position was as a Management Analyst for the Alameda County Social Services Agency beginning in 2017. This position allowed him to fully realize his passion for working with underserved people to find practical ways to improve their economic circumstances.
Emile had many interests but enjoyed bicycling above all else. As a staunch health advocate, he always encouraged healthy eating and physical activity to his friends and family. He could also be found reading books, listening to music, building and launching model rockets, and enjoying the varied cuisines of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay area.
Emile is survived by his loving sisters Linda Madison of Loganville, Georgia and Bridgitte Booth of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He was predeceased by his devoted and long time companion Alice Watson, his parents, two brothers and one sister.
The family wishes to thank Tommi Watson, Alex Watson, Burt Vera Cruz and many others for all of their time, assistance, and love.
Arrangements by Tulip. Memorial mass services will be held in the Oakland, California and Waldorf, Maryland areas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emile's name to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America at donate.adaa.org/give.
The family wishes to thank Tommi Watson, Alex Watson, Burt Vera Cruz and many others for all of their time, assistance, and love.
Arrangements by Tulip. Memorial mass services will be held in the Oakland, California and Waldorf, Maryland areas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emile's name to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America at donate.adaa.org/give.
