Ernest A. Soto

Ernest A. Soto (“Ernie”) 84, of Globe, AZ passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2014, with his daughter and caregiver, Maria-Elena Soto at his side. Born in Miami, AZ October 2, 1929, to Anthony and Angela (Alvarez) Soto. Ernie graduated from Miami High School in 1947 and joined the Army Air Corps. He retired from the Air Force as MSGT, Intelligence Specialist, in 1967. Ernie graduated from the University of Maryland, from Boston University with a MA in political science, and completed Russian Language School at Syracuse University. He relished teaching government for 25 years at Leesburg High School in Florida. He loved his students and felt it a privilege to be their instructor. Ernie served the community as a Lion, and as Past District Governor of District 21 B in 2001-2002. He was currently a member of the Palm Coast Lions in Florida, and the Mesa Host Lions in Arizona. He had received several Lions International Presidential awards over the years, was a Lion of the Year in Lions District 21 B, served on the Melvin Jones Memorial Board and C. Kirby Smithe International Lions Youth Camp Board, and also as district chairperson for Lions Quest Youth programs in Arizona. Ernie enjoyed years of deep sea fishing with Maria-Elena, David and other family members and friends on the “Fluffy Series” –especially Fluffy III in the Atlantic off the Central Florida Coast, never forgetting the first “exiting” of a very “confused” Ponce Inlet!   Ernie is predeceased by his parents, and his brother Marcello Soto.   He is survived by his daughter, Maria-Elena Soto, of Globe, AZ, his former spouse of 36 years and mother of Maria-Elena Soto, Janet White Soto, David Bailey and wife Bonnie and family, of Palm Coast, Florida; his sons; Michael Soto and wife Melissa, of Ohio, and Randall Soto, his sister Alma “Nina”, his granddaughter Jasmine (Soto) Urban, his grandson Jared A. Soto; his great grandson Miles D. Urban.   A memorial celebration of Ernie’s life is planned for Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at a park-like setting TBA a few weeks prior.   Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe