William E. Soares Sr. of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of Falmouth, died on December 29, 2024. He was 94.

Born in Mattapoisett to Mary (Bettencourt) and Eugenio Machado Soares, he graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1948.

After attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), he married Lillies Rose of Falmouth.

He worked on a merchant marine ship as a second assistant engineer for several years before beginning his career at Employers Group Insurance Company, where he was promoted to an executive level in the insurance and loss prevention divisions.

An active parishioner in many Catholic churches, he enjoyed working on Christmas fairs and the parish councils. He joined the Knights of Columbus of the St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish while living in Falmouth, attaining

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