Anthony T. Soares
1923 - 2005
I want to share some thoughts on my Dad:
My father, Anthony T. Soares, was born in 1923 and grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts. Anthony's
parents, Portugese immigrants, raised eight children in The Depression.
Tony, as he was known to those close to him, started with very little and worked hard his entire
life to provide for his family.
In 1942 soon after America entered World War II, my Dad did what all brave men did back then,
he signed up to fight. Dad enlisted in the Navy, fighting in both the European and Pacific
Theaters. Tony sent nearly his entire paycheck home to his family every month, barely keeping
enough for himself.
After WWII, my Dad intended to go to college, but delayed his schooling when his own father
died, to help support his mother and younger sisters.
Eventually, Tony was able to go to college and received a Bachelor's Degree from Boston
College and a PhD from the University of Illinois. He was the only one among his seven
brothers and sisters to attend college.
My Dad was a professor of Psychology and Education for many decades and didn't retire until
he was over 80 years old. Tony always loved teaching and his students. In fact, he once
discovered that one of his students didn't have enough money to feed himself. My Dad
would regularly buy the student dinner.
Tony and Louise married in 1954 and had over 50 happy years together. My Dad loved Mom
with all of his heart.
And of course, my Dad was completely devoted to his children. He was the perfect father
and would do anything for us. Tony would take me and Donna swimming, sledding and skating
for hours on end. Dad never complained about being tired.
My fondest memory will always be playing baseball with him. He would pitch to me until
he could barely move his arm. In all the years I played baseball, Tony never missed a game.
Other parents yelled or criticized; Dad only encouraged.
I am saddest that my own son, Michael, will never know his grandfather the way that I
do. However, I am happy knowing that my Dad lived long enough to see his own son have a child.
But Tony was much more than just a Dad, and more than just a man. Anthony Soares was to
all of us, a son, brother, friend, patriot, soldier, roommate, husband, teacher, coach,
confidant, husband, father and grandfather. We all loved him and we will all miss him.
We will cherish his memory forever.
Steve
February 25, 2005