Joaquin Joseph Soares, Jr.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Joaquin Joseph Soares, Jr., affectionately known as "Joe" or "Sonny," passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2024 at the age of 82. From a young age, Joe exemplified strength, courage, dedication, and an unwavering work ethic. Born on November 26, 1941, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he spent his formative years in East Cambridge on Thorndike Street. Joe received his early education at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and graduated from Saint Mary's High School in Cambridge in 1960.

Joe dedicated 32 years of his professional life as a Buyer and Planner for the Polaroid Corporation. He also served his country with honor as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard from 1966 to 1971. After completing one year at Stonehill College in 1960, Joe returned later in life to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1981.

A devoted family man, Joe married Mary Ellen (Sheridan) Soares on October 8, 1966, at Saint Joseph’s Church in Union Square, Somerville. Together they raised two children, David Alan Soares born August 14, 1967, and Nancy Anne Soares (LeBlanc) born June 22, 1969. Joe was not only a loving husband and father but also an active member of his community. He served as a town meeting representative for Stoughton and was a valuable member of the Finance Committee and the Stoughton School Committee. His commitment to service extended to volunteering for the Council on Aging and dedicating many years to Stoughton Little League and the Boy Scouts of America.

In his leisure time, Joe enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including building Cox Model Airplanes, car maintenance, and collecting historical memorabilia. He had a passion for history and politics and was an avid fan of classic John Wayne films. Joe’s greatest joy came from his family, and he took immense pride in imparting his knowledge and values to them.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary Ellen, Joe is survived by his son David Soares and his wife Thanh of Mansfield, and his daughter Nancy LeBlanc of Mansfield. He also leaves behind his sister Barbara, his cherished grandchildren Jackie, Kiana and her husband John, Daniel, James and Lucas, great-grandson Jaden and his nephew Mark.

To be useful, to be honorable, and to be compassionate were not just ideals for Joe; they were principles he lived by every day. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and made a significant difference in the lives of those around him. Joe will be remembered dearly and missed profoundly, but his spirit and values will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park Street (Rt. 27), Stoughton on Tuesday September 3rd from 4-7 PM. Funeral will be held the next day, Wednesday September 4th at the funeral home at 9:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM, at Immaculate Conception Church in Stoughton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 (www.dana-farber.org), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate.