Leo A. Soares, 98, of Fall River, husband of Lois (Gladue) Soares, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Charlton Memorial Hospital.  Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Augustine Soares and the late Maria (Carvalho) Soares.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Leo served his country honorably on the USS Tombigbee and the USS Yosemite. Prior to his retirement, he was a milkman with Nelson's Dairy for many years. He also worked as a bus driver for the Fall River School System, and at Vic's Car Wash for a time. Leo was a former member of the Dover Club.

Besides his wife of 57 years, he is survived by: a son, Steven Soares (wife Julie) of North Carolina; a stepson, Brian Springer (wife Sue) of Fall River; two sisters, Dorothy Philipe and Anne Michael both of Fall River; eight grandchildren, Mark Springer, Jr., Candice Springer, Matthew Springer, Kelsie Levesque, and Makenna Vieira all of Fall River, Ryan Soares, Zachary Soares, and Samuel Soares all of North Carolina; six great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Leo was predeceased by a stepson, Mark Springer, and was a brother of the late Lynda Rebello, Helen Perry, Irene Lewis, Gertrude Beffulco, Manuel, John, Augustine & Abel Soares.

His Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, January 14th, in our Fall River Chapel followed by his committal with Military Honors at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!