Joaquim Mendes Soares

Joaquim Mendes Soares was born on May 21st 1934, in Galinheiro Fogo, Cape Verde. To friends and family alike, he was known mainly as Djoca. He was born to two loving parents, Jose Mendes Soares and Zulmira Tavares. He fell asleep in death at the age of 91 on January 13th, 2026.

He had a humble childhood in Cape Verde alongside his parents and siblings. He had two children with Mariquinha Tavares named Aduzinda and Jose Antonio. Djoca was later married to his final love Antonia Rosa Batista Soares on March 16th of 1967. Djoca met and married his wife in the same church in Afonsi Gil. He fathered and raised their two children, Marieta and Jose Augusto. Through hard work and years of dedication, he provided care and stability for his family. He regularly sacrificed himself by traveling long distances to Portugal on ship in search of work. He stumbled upon many friends and acquaintances on his travels.

Djoca became respected and admired by his community. Early in his life, he served in the Portuguese military and held an important position in the judicial civil service post. His work and commitment were rewarded through wealth, land, and animals on his own farm in Cape Verde.

To further better the lives of his family, he immigrated to the United States with his wife. Djoca would set roots down in Boston Massachusetts on December 17th of 1976. Moving to America was one of his greatest achievements. His wealth in Cape Verde did not grant wealth in the United States. They would move in with his brother-in-law Teodorico, until he was able to locate a job. For a short time, they had to separate themselves from their children to arrange for housing and family needs. Despite his preparation for the care of his children in his absence, he still thought dearly of them and wanted to reunite again. He would get his wish shortly thereafter.

Djoca was proud of his work. He worked a physically demanding job at Eastern Steel Rack until his retirement. Relocating multiple times in the city of Boston, he eventually settled in his final home purchased in cash in 1992. He would live in his home until the day he passed.

Because of his fondness for his family and friends back home, he had the honor of bringing members of his family here to America. As for those who stayed behind, he ensured they would be well cared for. He carried the weight of this responsibility with satisfaction. His advantaged position never showed in his bearing. Djoca was a selfless man who gave his wealth to those he loved.

His relationship with God was fundamental to his life. Like Djoca, his wife Antonia wanted to be close to God. Those who met him remarked that he seemed befitting of a priest and were surprised that he chose not to follow that path. He prayed constantly. Everyone who knew him understood never to disturb him at 6 o’clock. Late into his life, he started to forget his usual times. Even still, he prayed every time his heart told him to. He would reach for his rosary and ask for help to sit up on his hospice bed. His words of prayer could be heard throughout the house till his final day.

Joaquim leaves behind his sisters Maria Mendes Soares, Januaria Soares Gomes, and Alice Mendes Soares Rodrigues, his children Aduzinda, Jose, Marieta, and Augusto, as well as his grandchildren Aristides, Cledy, Ashley, Shawde, Eduardo, Alejandro, and Ricardo. Many will remember and cherish his memories. His numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends will always remember him for the dependable and caring man that he was.

Djoca was loved by all, and will be missed dearly.