Jose M. Soares, 93, affectionately known as "Jose Delia", of New Bedford, died Saturday February 24, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Waltraud "Val" Soares.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Mathias Soares and Julia (Grace) Fortes, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
Mr. Soares was formerly employed as a construction worker with the International Laborers Union Local 385.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his children, Matthew J. Soares and his wife Phyllis, Carol A. Oliveira and her fiancé David, Jose Brian Soares, Julia Banks, Debra Mobiley and her husband Clayton, and Donald Soares; and numerous stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Anthony Soares, and brother of the late Edelia Costa, Lucy DaSilva, Mary Soares, Anna Lopes, Frances Barrows, and August Souza.
His Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.