Richard J. Soares

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Richard was a hardworking man who welcomed others into his home and taught his family the importance of commitment, responsibility, and being someone others could count on.

Richard J. Soares, 86, a lifelong resident of New Bedford, passed away on August 31, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the devoted husband of the late Christine D. (Sidwa) Soares, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Manuel P. and Louise (Fernandes) Soares. Richard was raised in the city and remained deeply connected to the New Bedford community throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned more than 20 years. He served in Lebanon in 1958 and the Dominican Republic in 1965. He was also assigned to WEST-PAC/Vietnam as an advisor in 1962 and returned in 1963 and 1964, where he was wounded in combat.

In 1979, Richard continued his commitment to military service by enlisting in the Army National Guard. He entered full-time Active Guard Reserve service in 1980, first serving as a recruiter and later as the Recruiting and Retention NCOIC. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant in 1990.

Known to many as "Sergeant Soares," Richard loved being a recruiter and cared deeply about his soldiers and their families. Many remembered him for the positive difference he made in their lives.

Following his military retirement, Richard worked for several years at Purity Services in New Bedford.

Richard was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Poirier Post 3260, Veterans of Foreign Wars Tuttle Post 7239, American Legion Post 265 in Acushnet, the L/Cpl John J. Van Gyzen IV Marine Corps League Detachment 1285, and the Wareham Knights of Columbus Father Francis E. Grogan Council #15280. He was also a former president of the Sippican Rod and Gun Club in Rochester.

Above all, Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and provider. He enjoyed spending time with his family, whether coaching Little League, supporting the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Boosters, vacationing at Swift's Beach, or hosting summer cookouts at the family home. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who welcomed others into his home and taught his family the importance of commitment, responsibility, and being someone others could count on.

Richard is survived by his two sons, Lance Soares and his wife, Anne, of Fairhaven, and Vance Soares and his fiance', Jeni Bourassa, of New Bedford; his daughter, Stephanie Pauley and her husband, Michael, of Carson City, Nevada; two sisters, Cynthia Soares and Merilyn Perry and her husband, Bob, all of New Bedford; a brother, Kenneth Soares and his wife, Madelyn, of New Bedford; two granddaughters, Destiny Soares-Morgado and her husband, Justin, of Carver, and Layla Soares of New Bedford; a grandson Coltin Baptiste of New Bedford; great-granddaughter, Raven Morgado; two granddogs Zola and Zoey and many nieces and nephews

He was the brother of the late Manuel P. Soares Jr. and Robert Correia.

Richard will be remembered for his loyalty, strength, sense of duty, and lifelong commitment to serving others. His influence will live on through his family, the soldiers he guided, the lives he changed, and the many people who knew and loved him.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:30 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant Street, New Bedford. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 8 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.