Joao Lopes Soares, COMPOSER-CONDUCTOR, passed away in Fall River June 20, 2007. Age 87 of 475 Mohawk Rd., Somerset. Widower of Rose (Almeida) Soares. Born in Pacos da Serra, Gouveia, Portugal. Son of the late Agostinho Lopes and Ana Soares dos Santos. He came to the United States in 1954 then moved to Somerset in 1964. He worked at the Bristol Knitting Mills from 1954-1969 at which time he became Co-Owner of Tic Toc Café, now known as Lusitano Restaurant. From 1974 to retirement in 1985, he worked for Standard Nut & Bolt Company of Cumberland, RI. He started playing music at age 11 and became conductor in Portugal at age 18. He continued his music career in America as Conductor of The Acoreana Band for 30 years. Later he was Bandleader of Lusitana Band of Cumberland, RI. He also formed The Silver Stars Group which played at various weddings and functions throughout New England. He and the Lusitana Band of Cumberland,RI were invited in 1993 to perform at the Presidential Palace for President Mario Soares in Portugal. He was also a Composer and guest conductor every year at Brown University Commencement. He was a music teacher while conducting and several of his students went on to perform with the Boston Pops. He was an avid Sporting Clube de Portugal fan, his beloved soccer team. He was a member of St. John of God Church
He is survived by: Two Sons: Horacio “Horace” Soares of Tiverton and Carlos A. Soares of Somerset. Three Daughters: Marie Hilario of Somerset, Ann Borges of Swansea and Helen Soares of Fall River. One Brother: Antonio dos Santos Soares and One Sister: Anita Soares Santos both of Oeiras, Portugal. He was also brother of the late Manuel dos Santos Soares and Maria dos Anjos. Thirteen Grandchildren, Nine Great Grandchildren and Several Nieces and Nephews.
His funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home,1521 N. Main St. Monday at 8:45 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John of God Church, Brayton Ave., Somerset at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery. Calling hours Sunday 4-8 P.M.