Fidel Soto age 71 of WORCESTER passed away unexpectedly Tuesday night November 10,
2020. Fidel is survived by his wife Josefina Velez of 43 years, his brother Israel Soto of
Worcester; his 3 children, Fidel Soto jr and his wife Vilma Castillo of North Carolina, Jose Soto
and his wife Julie Soto of Massachusetts, Marisol Vazquez and her husband Pablo Vasquez of
New York; 4 Grandchildren; 3 Great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and
countless friends including Salvador De La Cruz, Osvaldo (El Cano) Mercado, Jose (El
Boxeador) Baez, and Luis Baez.
Fidel was born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Son of the late Emeterio Soto and Martina Matos and
is also predeceased by his 2 sisters and 4 brothers. Fidel worked as second shift supervisor for
Lee Plastics in Sterling, MA for over 30 years.
Fidel, also known by family as “Abuelo”, “Viejo”, and “Papi”, was the epitome of loyalty and
selflessness. His love for his family was above all else. From lovingly pushing his wife Josefina’s
buttons with his many theories of how the world should be, to being there at a moment’s notice
for any one of his kids. Abuelo, as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren, would light
up at the mere mention of them and would often join the little ones with his playfulness and
laughter adding to Abuela’s (Josefina) list of responsibilities during many sleepover weekends.
Loyal to his family and friends, Papi would never forget to call his brother Israel “Compa”, twice
a day reporting on the daily lotto numbers wondering if either of them had struck it rich. Fidel
was also sure to always meet with his coffee shop conference crew (Salvador, El Boxeador, and
Luis) daily at the local coffee shop to discuss the many woes of society.
“Papi” had the natural talent and ability for anything and everything mechanical, especially
automotive. If it had an engine, this “viejo” had the uncanny ability to fix it. From very early on in
his life, Fidel always worked with his hands and was in his element whenever making repairs on
his vehicle or one of the many belonging to family and friends. In addition to his love of working
on cars, he also loved to fish and plant various fruits and vegetables in his homemade garden.
Fidel’s gentle and loving nature, his sweet enduring smile, his contagious laughter, and his
unwavering selfless loyalty will be missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 16 from 4pm to 7pm in the Graham Putnam &
Mahoney Funeral home , 838 Main St. Worcester. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, November
17th at 10am in Saint Joan of Arc Parish, 570 Lincoln St. Worcester. Burial will follow in
Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations
be made in his name to the Friendly House social services department, 36 Wall St. Worcester,
MA. 01604 508-755-4362