Antonio Manuel Soares

Antonio Manuel Soares, known affectionately as Antonio to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at his home in East Providence, RI, on November 1, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1948, in Sao Miguel, Azores, and brought warmth and light to the lives of everyone he met during his 76 years.

Antonio was the cherished husband of the late Maria Rosa (Sousa) Soares, with whom he shared over 54 years of devoted marriage until her passing earlier this year on March 5, 2024. He was the loving son of the late Francisco M. and Maria (Paiva) Soares, who instilled in him the values of kindness and faith that he carried throughout his life.

A dedicated father, Antonio leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Francisco Soares of Bristol, Paul Soares of Rumford, Patricia Gonsalves of Bristol, and Christina Soares of Sacramento, CA. His guidance and gentle spirit will forever be remembered by his siblings: Mario Soares of Pawtucket, Jose Soares of Tampa, Florida, Nuemia Botelho of Swansea, Maria Leite of East Providence, and he was predeceased by his sister Dilia Botelho. Antonio's joyous presence will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Alyssa, Kyle, Olivia, and Tyler, as well as by his many nieces and nephews.

For many years, Antonio was a skilled Machine Operator at the Marshall and Williams Manufacturing Company. His dedication and hard work were a testament to his character, and his colleagues respected him for his reliability and warm-hearted nature.

Since relocating to East Providence in 1976 from Portugal, Antonio became a devoted parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with comfort and purpose, which he shared generously with those around him.

Antonio's passion for life could be seen in his unwavering support for the Benfica Soccer League. An avid fan, he found joy and excitement in the spirit of the game, which mirrored his approach to life—full of enthusiasm and love for the community.

Words seem insufficient to describe a man as loving, kind, and faith-filled as Antonio. He had an innate ability to light up a room with his presence and to make every individual feel seen and valued. His impact on the world was as profound as it was gentle, and he will be remembered for the way he lived his life with an open heart and open arms.

Antonio's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, yet his spirit remains a guiding light. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire us all.   His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

As the Soares family mourns the loss of a remarkable husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, they find solace in the memories and the indelible mark Antonio left on this world. His spirit will forever be cherished and kept alive in the stories shared by those who loved him. Antonio Manuel Soares' presence on this earth was a gift, and though he has departed, his legacy of love will resonate for generations to come.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday November 13,2024 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Calling hours are Tuesday November 12,2024 from 5:00pm -7:00pm in the funeral home.

www.rebellofuneralhome.com.

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