John Soito
John Soito, 91, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was the husband of the late Gertrude M. (Holden) Soito.
Born in East Providence, he was a son of the late Antonio and Frances (Silveira) Soito.
Mr. Soito was a fire fighter for the City of East Providence for 33 years before retiring in 1987. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War.
He leaves his companion Norma Rose of Vero Beach, Florida. He was the father of the late John E. Soito and brother of the late Joseph Soito, Anthony Soito and Edward Soito.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM in Saint Brendan’s Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours respectfully omitted.
Guestbook
9 entries.
I knew John and his wife since I met their son Jack in junior high. We lived in the same neighborhood and became friends from then on. John was a wonderful guy, and always had time for us, whether at his home or on visits to the stations. He was a dedicated firefighter, a great dad, and a fine man. Rest In Peace.
I met John when I was a new recruit in August of 1987.
I was assigned to Rescue 4, in Kent Heights. It was FF John Soito shift and his station at the time.
He was the driver of Engine 4, he had the task to instruct the new guy about the fire equipment and station life. He had a wealth knowledge and information about the department. He taught me with lots of patience, kindness and professionalism. I think I kinda drove him and other senior firefighters a little batty, running around the firehouse hoping to get the big incident under my belt.
He would say to me kid, slow down, take it easy, relax, know your surroundings, the job can hurt you or kill you. He also said, before you know it, years go by fast and your career is over.
He was appointed to the department on July 5, 1954 and retired November 2, 1987, with 33 years on the job.
John, you were right, the years flew by, the big incidents do come and some do hurt our firefighters, both mentally and physically.
Here we are 33 years later, and we are laying our brother to rest.
John, may you Rest In Peace and Godspeed.
Chief of Department
Glenn J. Quick
Sorry for your loss. I knew John Soito who was a dispatcher for Police/Fire while I was still working. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Uncle John;
You were not only my uncle you were my Godfather to. I will always remember the numerous slide shows in the basement of all of our families vacations together. Also on Christmas when all the family would get together to celebrate. But most of all I will miss your quick wit and your smile. Say hello to my mom and dad & sister when you get there.
Love;
Kacey Holden Richards
I worked with John a number of years at station 1. Living in the same neighborhood we rode to work together. John was a good friend, the ultimate gentleman and a Brother. RIP John.
Uncle John , I will always remember your laughter smiles and beautiful kind heart you had , you were always so good to my mom and my family you loved being a firefighter 👨🚒 my sons you always gave them matchbox fire trucks when they were little they loved going to your house and proud to know you were a fighter as well as great uncle to them we love you and you will be so missed rest easy my mom and Aunt Marguerite’ and family are all there to great you to paradise love your niece Donna xoxo🙏❤️🙏
The one word , used several times, that describes John is gentleman. It was an honor to know and work with him! Rest In Peace my brother.
I worked with John several times .... great kind gentle man ...great firefighter ..RIP
When I came on the job in 1970, John was the driver of Engine 1 and my assignment was hanging off the back. We worked together for several years and the pleasure was all mine. Besides being a great firefighter who taught me a lot, you were always a gentleman. Later on in life we became neighbors and lived across the street from each other. Thank you for being you
Rest In Peace my Brother
