Avelino "Young Boboi" Soares, 92, of Lakeville formerly of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2018 at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven after a long illness.
He was the son of the late Pedro and Clara (Avelina) Soares and the widower of the late Lorraine F. (Lawton) Soares to whom he was married for 62 years. He was also the brother of the late Adeline Andrade and Beatrice and Zulmira "BeBe" Soares. His loving sister, Louise Fortes of New Bedford is his only remaining sibling.
Boboi served as a U.S. Army radio operator in World War II, completing three tours of duty in Italy, North Africa and the Philippines. He participated in the Battles of Rome Arno and North Appenines. Mr. Soares was a recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon, the Philippine Liberation ribbon and the World War II Victory medal. In 1949, he enrolled in the Arlington Academy of Music, the highest rated music school in Boston at that time. Upon graduation in 1952, Young Boboi was among the first scholastic musicians in the Greater New Bedford area. While pursuing his music interests, he worked in highway construction for 15 years including 10 years as a grade foreman for Campanella & Cardi.
After an attempt at joining New York's famed Musician's Union Local #802, Boboi returned to New Bedford and became the saxophonist for the Wally Durant Jazz Quintet from 1958-1965. During these years, the group performed 5 nights a week at the West End Social Club, featured the Horace Silver repertoire and earned Boboi recognition as one of the region's elite jazz players. And he credited Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery as major jazz influences. In 1966, Boboi was offered a teaching position at the Berklee College of Music but opted to continue his music studio in New Bedford and became the saxophonist for the popular Gene Oliver Quartet.
During the summers from 1969-1971, Boboi enjoyed high profile performances playing tenor and alto saxophones, clarinet and flute in the 40 piece house orchestra for the Hyannis International Music Festival, the precursor to the Melody Tent. The orchestra accompanied renown solo acts including Peggy Lee, Jose Feliciano, Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis and many vocal groups including the Temptations, Platters and Ronettes.
But perhaps Young Boboi's most enduring legacy will be that of an avid music teacher who was admired, respected and loved by his students. Over the years, a number of his students were selected to participate in the Southeastern District Music Competition including two sons. And one saxophone student even achieved McDonald's All-State Honors. Having always been supportive of his students' musical endeavors, he did the arranging for Tazinho Brito's LP project which was recorded in Lisbon, Portugal. And he delighted in having his eldest son tour internationally with Grammy-winning recording artists, Tavares. Boboi's passion for teaching helped to further music appreciation in the city.
Along with his love of jazz, Boboi was proud to promote traditional Cape Verdean music with Flash Viera, Boboi de Ti, Al Lopes and Toi Grace. He was an accomplished musician, caring mentor and dedicated teacher who became a local music icon whose reputation extended to the Cape Verde Islands. During the span of his career, Boboi was often cited for excellence in the music field including two official resolutions issued in 2000 from the New Bedford City Council in recognition of his contributions to Cape Verdean music and 50 years of entertainment. And in 2001, New Bedford's Cape Verdean Recognition Committee noted that "his achievements have served as a source of inspiration and enrichment to our Cape Verdean American community."
Young Boboi was a member of the Verda-Tones for nearly 20 years, the Cape Verdean Ultramarine Marching Band for over 20 years, the Skyliner Big Band for over 40 years, the American Federation of Musician's Union Local #214 for over 50 years and a lifelong affiliate of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
He is survived by three sons, Steven Soares and his wife Doris and Kenneth Soares, all of Lakeville and Robert Soares of New Bedford; a sister, Louise Fortes; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His Funeral will be held on Monday, January 15th at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 2-5 PM.