William Soto Obituary

William J. Soto

William J. Soto, age 94, of Cary, IL, passed away June 9th, 2017, after battling a rare and aggressive bladder cancer. He was surrounded by family at his home.

Bill was born in Chicago, IL, the son of Mitchell Joseph and Ellen (Elliot) Soto. He "Existed" until July 9th, 1942, when he met the one and only true love of his life, Rosemary Carolyn Abell. Knowing that they were made for each other, they became engaged September 9th, with the wedding November 7th, 1942. After 2 months of wedded bliss, Bill went into the military service January 27th, 1943. He became an M.P., serving in Rhineland, Central Europe, Northern France, and Normandy. He was awarded the E.T.O. ribbon with 4 battle stars, and 3 overseas service bars.

Upon his discharge, life began again! Rosemary and Bill had 4 children, William Jr (Sue) Soto (El Cajon, CA), Janis Lynn Crowley (Stevensville, MT), Alan (Rose) Soto (Geneva, IL), and Cecelia (Ray) Kratz (Cary, IL). They also had two grand daughters, Deanna and Michelle; 7 great grandchildren, Mark, Cassandra, Alyssa, Kayla, Ken, Samantha, and Shaina; and 2 great great grandchildren, Jackson and David.

Bill and Rosemary also found time to be involved with PTA, both being president of their local units, plus president of the PTA Council. Rosemary was involved with Girl Scouts, while Bill was coach, manager, and president of Boy's Baseball. He also was very active in the West Chicago VFW, working his way up thru the ranks, to commander of the West Chicago Post, in 1962.

At the same time, he held many jobs: railroad fireman, meat cutter, owner of taxi service and driver, at St. Charles Kitchens, as spray painter of the cabinets, and later as layout man for sink tops and counters.

Last but not least, starting again at the bottom, sub carrier for the Postal Service, thru the ranks until appointed Postmaster of Algonquin, IL, with 31 employees. In 1979, he was promoted to Postmaster of Glenview, IL, with 131 employees.

He retired in 1984, and Rosemary and he decided there was plenty to do and see in this country. So they traveled extensively throughout the 49 states and Canada several times. They missed Alaska because Bill had a lung infection and Rosemary said maybe another time. They never made it!!

Rosemary preceded him in death, 2/11/10, after 67 years of marriage.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1st, at 11:00, at The Congregational Church of Algonquin, at 109 Washington Street, Algonquin, IL 60102, with a luncheon to follow, at the Church.