JOHN C. SOEDER Jr.'s Obituary
John C Soeder Jr., 87, of Valrico Florida, passed away peacefully in his home with his four children at his side on November 18 2013. He was born on March 29, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a kind, loving and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him.
John served in the USN from 1944-46. After moving to Miami, Florida in 1960, he became a member of Metro Dade Fire Department rising to the rank of Chief Fire Officer. After 28 years of service, he retired and spent the remainder of his years enjoying time with his children and family. His wife of 40 years, Alice, and their daughter, Laura, precedes him in death. John leaves a living legacy: four children, Vivian (Jason), JoAnn, John (Linda) and Mark (Alicia) plus 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. His two sisters, Mary Pellegrini and Josephine Gemelli, also survive him.
His family will be celebrating his life at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel on Saturday November 23 from 2-3pm with a brief service at 3 pm. (11220 N. Kendall Drive in Miami, Fl.)
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (800-822-6344, tribute #34484895) or Dade County Fire Fighters Association of Charities (please specify “firefighters issues”) Address: Local 1403, 800 NW 21 Street, Miami, FL 33122.
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