Neftali Soto

Neftali “Tali” Soto, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at his home in Voluntown, CT, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 26, 1953, in Puerto Rico, Neftali lived a life filled with love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.

Tali was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, which shaped his values of hard work, generosity, and resilience. A resident of Voluntown for many years, he shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Julie. Together, they built a life filled with many happy memories. Neftali loved spending time on the golf course with his sons, Jonathan and Jared, and traveling to new and meaningful places with Julie.

Tali’s professional career began with 10 years working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Puerto Rico. After relocating to Connecticut, he enrolled as fulltime student at  UCONN. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and obtained his Professional Engineer’s license in 1990. He served 12 years as the Town Engineer for Westerly, RI before joining the Town of Waterford, CT as the town’s Chief Utilities Engineer in 2002; retiring after 20 years of service.

Tali enjoyed life and being part of his community.  Whether it was umpiring Little League Baseball, serving on a town committee, or volunteering at the Denison Homestead, Tali always found time to help others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; his sons, Jonathan and Jared; and his daughters-in-law, Taylor and Sarah. He also leaves behind his mother Eladia; two brothers, David and Eliezer; his two sisters, Melissa and Sarita; and many nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his father, Neftali Soto, and his sister, Rebecca “Dolly” Soto, both of whom held special places in his heart.

Neftali Soto will forever be remembered for his love of life, his dedication to his family, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness. Though deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. 

Calling hours will be from 5pm to 7 pm on December 3, 2024, at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, 490 Voluntown Road, Jewett City, CT.  Services will take place at 11 am on December 4, 2024 at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, burial will follow at Pachaug Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tali’s memory to the Denison Homestead, P.O. Box 42, Mystic, CT 06355.

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