DR. EMILIO J. SOTO
Born June 24, 1918 in Santiago de CUBA.
Dr. Soto passed away peacefully in his home on April 3, 2015 surrounded by his adoring family.
Dr. Soto is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ilda.
Daughters: Hilda, Lourdes and Jackie
Sons-in-law: Stew, Jim and Adam
Grandchildren: Brandon, Brett, Ashley, Lauren, Ryan, Jack and Kyle
Great grandchildren: Cameron and Kate
Dr. Soto was an inspirational, compassionate and beloved man. He was devoted to his family. He was steadfast in his spiritual and religious beliefs.
Dr. Soto’s distinguished career as a Spanish teacher began in Iowa where he taught at Ellsworth Jr. College. After moving to Virginia Beach in 1976, Dr. Soto taught at Bayside Middle School from 1976-1989, when he retired. Dr. Soto was passionate about education and was a consummate and dedicated professional.
The family would like to sincerely thank our loving Vicki and Ara and our team of dedicated professionals from Medi Home Health Hospice services for their support and compassion.
A private family service was held for our dear “Papi”.
Hola familia! Como estan todos? So so sorry about Papi. Sending my prayers for peace and comfort to you all. Missing you, Jackie!
Love,
Terry
I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Soto’s many students at Bayside Jr. 1983ish. He was such an amazing man. So much love for teaching and how he made us laugh and, at times, really help us to appreciate what an incredible gift it is to live in the United States. I will always remember him for being a very kind hearted man. Prayers to his family…heaven has another angel.
Jes
My condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of Dr. Soto and your mother.
james
My condolences to the family. What a wonderful and amazing man. Much love to his amazing family.
Sending all my love and hugs to you all from all of us here in NC! What a wonderful life lived and a special man Papi was. Saying special prayers as I know it is never easy!
There’s so much I pray for you…I pray for moments of calm and comfort in the midst of your heartache. I pray that your deep inner strength both surprises and sustains you as you find your way through the days ahead. And when you just need to be still and breathe, I pray you’re able to find a little bit of sanctuary to rest and renew your spirit. Most of all, I pray that you know that you’re not alone in this, but surrounded by love from so many people who care about you and love from the One who is with you now and every day to come. Continue to shine!
On behalf of the Medi Home Health & Hospice Team, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved father.
I am sorry for I just heard the news of Dr. Soto’s passing. I was overseas and had always thought of him and would always ask how he was. I was very fortunate to have had being one of his students in1986 at Bayside. I still have his inscription and signature in my yearbook that I will truly cherish. My heart goes out to all the family and friends who had the chance of knowing him. I will never forget such a wonderful person he was and for teaching me to be thankful for what we have. God bless you all.
Dr. Soto was my Spanish teacher in 7th grade in 1985. He had such spunk and enthusiasm! He was one of those teachers that would have taught for free . As a student who had lived in Venezuela as a child I found it so refreshing to hear of his stories of living in Cuba. He was a remarkable teacher. I just heard of his passing on Facebook. What a long, amazing life he lived!