Obituary of Edwin Soto
Edwin Soto, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Sunday, May 4th, 2025.
Edwin was born on March 23, 1956 to Ismael and Dalila Soto and proud big sister Nydia in Bayonne, New Jersey. Although to know Edwin, you knew his heart was from Puerto Rico. Edwin began his education at John M. Bailey School for a short while, only to become a true Catholic boy at St Mary’s and graduated from Bayonne High School.
Edwin met the love of his life, Mary Lou, at the age of 16. On April 8, 1978, Edwin not only gained an extended family, but also made the most loving and attentive woman his bride, as he said his vows in what everyone may have thought was Spanish. Together they raised three wonderful children, Jesse the first, Edwina the princess, and Joseph the favorite. “My man” or “my girl” were exactly how Edwin called his children in the most loving way. Edwin was and will always be an amazing husband and father.
Jesse eventually married Tara, who was Edwin’s favorite daughter-in-law and Edwina married James, Edwin’s favorite son-in-law, otherwise known as boss. Joseph too found the love of his life, Melanie, whom Edwin cherished.
Besides his sense of humor and love for practical jokes, Edwin had an incredible work ethic. Edwin’s 30 year career, working the line with General Motors, was just one area of expertise that Edwin possessed. Edwin could also be found working at St Mary’s Church and school, assisting with Jesse’s Landscaping and Hudson Lawn Enforcement, and his most recent venture with Death By Stickers.
During retirement, which began in 2004, Edwin and Mary Lou settled in South Plainfield, New Jersey, wanting to live closer to their most prized possessions. The only thing that made Edwin prouder than all of his successes in life was being a Papi to Caden, Noah, Kennedy, and Cooper. Just look at his almost life-size tattoos, and you would understand. Nothing stopped Edwin from taking his grandchildren to a Mets game or on a crazy ride on the Wildwood boardwalk. He was the best babysitter and loved rooting them on at the field, track, or pool. Edwin was a hands-on father and Papi, and the memories he leaves behind are priceless.
Edwin has been welcomed home by his parents, Ismael Soto and Dalila Ruiz Soto, parents-in-law Albert and Rita Mazzucola, brothers-in-law Anthony Mazzucola and Vincent Bottino, aunts, uncles, friends, and even dogs.
Edwin is survived by his wife Mary Lou Soto, children Jesse Soto (wife Tara), Edwina Pieri (husband James), and Joseph Soto (girlfriend Melanie), sister Nydia Soto Blaney, Aunt Miriam Santiago, sister-in-law Toni Bottino, brother-in-law Mark Mazzucola, grandchildren Caden Soto, Noah Soto, Kennedy Soto, Cooper Pieri, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Edwin will surely be missed by his newest buddy Loki.
Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in the South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield NJ 07080 from 5PM – 9PM.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:30AM in Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield; all are invited to gather in the funeral home prior to mass at 10:30AM.
Cremation will follow privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edwin’s memory to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to the Eleventh Hour Rescue, www.ehrdogs.org