"Dear Martha, I read the sad news yesterday I am shocked and sadened by Paul's passing and I am sorry I missed the service. Paul and I had some fun times together back in the 60's playing football and going down the shore. I'll always remember those days in Hoboken. I regret that I lost touch with both of you through the years. Much love to Paul and those who were touched by his friendship. Linda & Joe Spagnoletti"
In loving memory of
Paul Soto
February 21, 1948 - December 15, 2007
Newport, RI - Paul E. Soto, 59, of 32 Hammond Street, Newport, RI, died Saturday, December 15, 2007 at Newport Hospital, after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Martha R. VonVillas Soto for thirty six years. Born in New York, NY on February 21, 1948, he was the son of the late Raul and Mary Pierantoni Soto.Paul grew up in Hoboken, NJ and graduated from Bryant College in 1971 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. While at Bryant he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Paul worked for Raytheon for 22 years as a cost accountant. He left Raytheon in 1994 and most recently worked for Electric Boat in Groton, CT as a Senior Planner. Paul enjoyed fishing and golf, but most of all loved spending time with his children, his granddaughters, and family. He was an expert repairman, always helping friends and family fix their computers, mopeds, bikes, or whatever needed repair. He is survived by his wife Martha R. Soto of Newport, RI, daughters Angela M. Soto of Newport, and Stephanie A. Finn and her husband Thomas M. Finn, of Newport, RI, a brother William Soto of Miami, FL, and his granddaughters Mia A. and Alana R. Finn of Newport. He is also survived by his mother in law Nicoletta VonVillas of Newport, RI, his cousins Juanito and Rosita Soto of Miami Beach, FL, Sylvia and Alberto Serpa also of Miami Beach, FL, sister in-law Deborah A. Watkins and her husband Robert of Newport, RI, his nieces Nicole L. Robinson and Lindsay A. Watkins and great niece Hailey C. Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his father in law George A. VonVillas. Calling hours will be held Wednesday morning, December 19 from 10:00-11:00 am in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport followed by a funeral service at 11:00am in Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to Women Infants Development Foundation, Oncology Department, Women Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905.
Tributes
"Hey Steph, I don't know if you remember me, but It's Ginny, from Dr. D's. My condolences go out to you...I lost my dad when I was 2 and though I don't remember him each day I am filled with loss. My love and prayers go out to you and your daughters. My prayers are with you and your family...."
"ON BEHALF OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, CONDOLENCES TO THE SOTO-VON VILLAS FAMILY. MANY GOOD MEMORIES REMAIN OF OUR BEING TOGETHER AT THE HALL. SPECIALS PRAYERS TO MARTHA AND MRS VON VILLAS."
"Martha, Angela, and Stephanie, My childhood was filled with memories of your father and Hammond St.- He will surely be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God watch over all of you. XOXO LoriSilvia Healey"
"I am very sorry Martha. My grandmother is the gate keeper of heaven she will help him. I know you will miss him. But he will not have any pain any more."
"Dear Martha, Ang and Steph~ My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love always, Moe"
"Martha, Angela, & Stephanie, -May the Lord sweep you all into His loving arms at this personal & private time in your lives. Words fail us all when one so young is called home with the Lord. Paul's love for you all will live forever in the memories of your heart. We will all remember his smile and warmth. God Bless You all, Luke & Colleen"
"I look at Paul more as a friend than a co-worker. He was always one to make people laugh and I'm glad that I was able to make him laugh on several occassions. The laughs we had and our discussions about Victor Mature, are all in my memory of Paul. He will be sorely missed but his spirit and our memories will be with us forever."
"Martha, Felt so sad for you when we heard about Paul yesterday. We are sorry for your loss. He was such a great person, husband and father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Angela and Stephanie. Pat and Don Marcogliese"
"Dearest Martha, Stephanie and Angela, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. I know your many happy memories will keep Paul close to your hearts. I promise that Bob will make room at his poker table for Paul and they can have a few laughs as they watch over their girls. God Bless you all. Much love, Donna Byron"
"I had the pleasure of working with Paul. He was always cheerful and friendly with me and made me laugh we I was feeling down. I will miss him. co-worker from Electric Boat"
"I had the honor and pleasure of befriending Paul, while his time at Electric Boat. He was always upbeat and quick with a smile, even when we all knew that he was not feeling well. I have the memory of someone who I was lucky enough to call friend and his family must always remember that he loved them with all the love that any man can have. Remember, he will always be there when you need him...just remember his love."
"DEAR MARTHA, ANG, AND STEPH, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THERE IS NOT MUCH THAT ONE CAN SAY TO TAKE YOUR PAIN AWAY. THE VOID YOU WILL FEEL FROM YOUR LOSS WILL NEVER GO AWAY, BUT IN TIME IT WILL BE EASIER. LOVE YOU GUYS AND IF I CAN DO ANYTHING LET ME KNOW. LOVE MICHELLE"
"PABLO,RAUL,P-SOTO,"POST-IT MAN" I WILL MISS YOU. THANKS FOR ALL MY PENS AND PENCILS. OH AND MY LIGHTERS. ALSO THANKS FOR LETTING ME STOG IT WITH YOU IN THE HOUSE. NO ONE ELSES DAD EVER LET ME SMOKE IN THE HOUSE. LOVE YOU. THANKS FOR TAKING ME FISHING FOR MY FIRST TIME EVER. THANKS FOR ALL THE BOAT RIDES. SOME OF MY GREATEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES WERE SHARED WITH YOU. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. STEPH, ANG ,AND MARTHA I LOVE YOU ALL AND ARE THINKING OF YOU. P-SOTO THANKS FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON STEPH AND I ."
"Martha, Angela and Stephanie, You and your family are in our thoughts, as always. We love you God Bless Lisa and Mark"
"Martha, Ang and Steph, Im so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of being a part of your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Stacy camara Rowland"
"Martha you are in our prayers and thoughts. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. God Bless"
"Martha, Ang and Steph and your entire families, I am so sorry for all of you. I imagine Paul and Esther are recounting their Hammond Street days right about now! Thinking of you, Amy & Fran"
"Martha, Steph and Angela, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Paul will be missed by many."
"Martha, Ang, Steph- We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Love and Hugs Amy, Kevin and Patrick"
"To the man I have known as Raul,Paul,Eddie, BassMaster, Yoko Soto, Pablo and P, I thank you for all the pens, post-its and lighters that have weighed down my pockets for years!!! I love and miss you!!! Love always, Jonzey"
"Martha, Angela and Steph, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Beth"