J. Henry Soares

Jorge Henry Soares, known to all who loved him as Henry, passed away on July 19, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on May 16, 1950, to Manuel F. Soares and Hilda Soares, Henry lived a life deeply rooted in family, friendship, hard work, and a love for the places and people that meant the most to him.

Henry grew up on Lucy Little Road in Dartmouth, MA, where his parents owned and operated a mink farm. He loved helping his family on the farm, surrounded by the German Shepherds he adored, and cherished the time he spent helping his Uncle Tony on his farm down the road. His beloved godmother, Rocha, lived with the family and held a particularly special place in Henry’s heart.

As a boy, Henry could often be found with his lifelong best friends, George Barlow, Bobby Leclair, and Norbert Furnas. They referred to themselves as the “Cedar Dell Boys,” a name inspired by the time they spent together around Cedar Dell Pond in Dartmouth. Their friendship endured for decades, a testament to the lasting bonds Henry formed throughout his life.

Henry was an accomplished student and athlete. He attended Tabor Academy and Cushing Academy, and later studied political science at Northeastern University in Boston. He had a particular passion for history and also earned letters for his accomplishments on both the lacrosse and soccer teams at Tabor. Outside of school, he loved listening to 60s and 70s rock music, and had fond memories of attending Woodstock in 1969.

As an adult, Henry carried on the family tradition of hard work, eventually taking over his family’s clothing factory, J.H.S. Enterprises, in New Bedford, MA. After closing the factory, he built a successful second chapter as a real estate broker and later as a real estate appraiser, all the while building a beautiful home in Dartmouth with his family, including his beloved German Shepherd, Paws, who held a place in his heart unlike any other and brought him immense happiness and companionship.

In 2024, Henry fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams when he moved to Venice, FL. He had always loved the warm weather in Florida and dreamed of one day living there, so when the opportunity came, he embraced this new chapter wholeheartedly. He found a wonderful community, made many friends among his neighbors, and took great pride in the home he created there. When he wasn’t working on improvements to his house, he loved working on his 1972 Corvette, which he purchased as a young man and kept for his entire life.

But above all of these passions and accomplishments, Henry’s greatest pride and deepest love were his children. They were his world, and he loved them more dearly than words can express. He leaves behind his son, Nicholas Soares, of Westport, MA, and his daughter, Madison Soares, of New York, NY. He also leaves his former wife, Donnalee, of Portsmouth, RI, with whom he remained close friends.

Henry will be remembered for the life he built with his own hands, the friendships that lasted a lifetime, the dogs he loved, his intellect, strength, and humor, and his determination to keep moving forward and building something meaningful. Most of all, Henry was a father whose children were at the center of his heart. His greatest legacy is the love he gave them and the memories they will carry with them always.

May he rest peacefully, surrounded by the warmth, love, and memories of a life well lived.