Jay D. Soares

It's still hard to believe he's gone.

 Jay Darren Soares, born November 11, 1965, was a beacon of light in the lives of his family, friends, and the Boston community. His spirit, once so vibrant and full of life, has left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known him. The world is quieter without him, but the echoes of his laughter and the memories of his boundless energy will remain with us forever.

 Jay's life was a journey of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. The beloved son of Maggie and Joseph Soares (deceased) and brother to Joseph Soares (deceased), he was a guiding light to his wife of 9 years, Chantal, and a steadfast father to his sons: Jay, Jason, Dean, Joshua, and Joey; his wife's daughters Florise and Charnel. His love extended far beyond his immediate family, enveloping his siblings Linda Silva Soares, Deborah Soares, Cheryl Ashley (Kevin), Clicia, and Demrick Soares, his four cherished grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast circle of friends and extended family. The citizens of Boston, whom he served so diligently, also feel this profound loss. 

From an early age, Jay lived with a voracity for life that was impossible to contain. As a child, he and his cousin Ray would set out on Saturday mornings, exploring, interacting, and playing in every corner of their Highland Street neighborhood, returning home only when their youthful energy was spent. In school, his love for movement and exploration made sitting still in a classroom challenging until he discovered the world of wheels. Jay's passion for bikes, cars, motorcycles, and trucks created a love for reading and learning that he lacked until the topic was things on wheels. He devoured every book and article about them, transforming a childhood interest into a lifelong pursuit.

In middle school, Jay's adventurous spirit led him to race BMX bicycles, often returning from long bus trips that he somehow convinced his mother to let him take alone to North Carolina for instance, with trophies that were nearly as big as he was. His bedroom door, adorned with sponsor stickers, was a testament to his determination and dreams. Meanwhile, he enjoyed introducing his nephew, Rasheed, to his world of wheels, sharing Nascar and other wondrous nuggets of BMX bikes and dirt bikes. As Jay grew older, this passion expanded to cars and eventually trucks, each new vehicle symbolizing a step in his personal evolution. 

But Jay's love wasn't limited to the road; it also found its way into music, another passion that defined him. He entertained his friends and family for hours with his favorite songs, played loudly, and shared regularly. Jay's singing might not have been pitch-perfect, but it was always delivered with panache, filling every room with joy. We all know most of those favorite songs by heart, as they became the soundtrack of our lives together-an unspoken bond we'll all forever cherish.

Jay's journey into adulthood was marked by his drive to serve and help others. His early work driving tow trucks revealed his natural inclination to assist those in need, doing so with an infectious enthusiasm that endeared him to all he met. After high school, he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology and began a career in technology, but the call of the open road was too strong, confinement to days spent indoors, too tragic. Jay returned to his true love: driving and fixing large vehicles, from oil tankers to heavy construction machinery. Each day brought him joy, a sense of freedom, and the satisfaction of working with his hands.

 The pinnacle of Jay's career was his service as a police officer, a role he took on with the same enthusiasm and commitment that characterized everything he did. Entering the police academy, Jay was unstoppable. He immersed himself in his studies and training in his pursuit of excellence. For 27 years, he served the City of Boston with unparalleled dedication, whether at the height of a crisis or in the quiet moments of daily life. Jay was more than just an officer; he was a friend, a confidant, and a source of comfort to many. His sincerity, his depth of knowledge, and his kindness made him a beloved figure in the community.

 Jay gave his all in every endeavor, pouring his heart and soul into everything he touched. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. Though the pain of his loss is profound, we find solace in knowing that Jay lived fully, loved fiercely, and left the world a better place.

 We still can't believe he's gone, and we never will. But Jay will live on in our hearts, forever a part of us and forever missed.