Antonio Matias Soares

Antonio Matias Soares, 87, of New Bedford passed away at home on Thursday December 18, 2025.Born in Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde, he was the son of the late Matias Antonio Soares and Josefa Inacia (Silva) Soares.

Since coming to the United States, he held various roles in different industries and was a great provider ensuring that he did not spoil his children with material things, but rather experiences.

Antonio loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he had an extremely close bond with his brothers. He had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the guitar. He loved working on cars and doing odd jobs. He was well-known for his humor, often giving people a hard time with his jokes.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maria Helena (Andrade) Soares; his children, Maria Soares of Sao Vicente, Carlita Goncalves of New Bedford, Osvoldo Leite of Sao Vicente, Rosemarie Soares Lopes and her husband Celio Lopes of New Bedford, and Randall Soares of New Bedford; his grandchildren, Tierry Santos, Domanique Santos, Samantha Santos, Justin Santos, Brandi Santos, Antonio Soares, Jathan Lopes, Jalen Soares, Madison Soares, Amaia Soares, Shaleen Furtado, Tyra Leite, and Serenity Evers; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Emidio Matias Soares and his wife Dianela of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Jose Matias Soares, Luis Matias Soares, Januario Matias Soares, Eduino Matias Soares, Maria Celestina Soares, and Inacia Silva Soares.

His visitation will be held on Monday December 22nd from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Cremation will follow and his cremains will be buried with his parents in Cabo Verde in the future.