Albert Soares passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 79.
Albert was born on November 19, 1946, in Merced, California, to Frank and Lydia Soares. His family later moved to Pismo Beach before returning to Turlock in 1962. Albert graduated from Turlock High School in 1964.
In April 1966, Albert married Carol Faria. This past April, Albert and Carol celebrated an incredible milestone—60 years of marriage and a lifetime built together.
Albert was a hardworking man who believed in putting in an honest day’s work. He worked on a dairy for much of his life and spent 33 years working for Turlock Scavenger Co. Retirement did not come early for Albert; true to his hardworking and determined nature, he continued working until the age of 73.
When he wasn’t working, Albert had a lifelong love of softball. He enjoyed both playing and coaching and continued playing fast-pitch softball well into his 50s.
Albert also loved cars and the friendships that came along with them. He and Carol were members of the Tri Counties Street Rods while they owned their 1923 T-Bucket Roadster. Together, they enjoyed traveling throughout California and participating in poker runs with the club, creating many wonderful memories along the way.
Albert had a special place in his heart for dogs, and they seemed to know it. While his children were growing up, the family had a poodle named Lisa who absolutely adored him. Whenever Albert settled into his chair, Lisa would make herself comfortable behind his head, content just to be close to him. During his years working on the dairy, Albert also had three dogs that he adored and that were his faithful companions.
After retirement, Albert was finally able to devote more time to another talent he enjoyed—woodworking. He and Carol worked side by side designing and creating handmade outdoor decorations for holidays throughout the year. Their projects became much more than a pastime. Together they cut, built, painted, and brought to life countless pieces that added something special to holidays and celebrations.
Albert took pride in making things with his own hands, and many of those decorations were shared with family and friends. Over the years, their handmade creations became part of other families’ holiday traditions as well. Those decorations will continue to come out year after year, bringing back memories of Albert and serving as a lasting reminder of the time, care, and craftsmanship he put into everything he made.
Albert will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Carol Soares; his children, Lori (Greg) Crivelli of Turlock and Steven Soares (Melissa Brunner) of Turlock; and his grandchildren, Kayla (Jeff) Clemens of Modesto, Nick (Calah) Crivelli of Turlock, Courtney Crivelli (Carl Snaring) of Lansing, Michigan, Brooke Soares of Folsom, and Coen, Halle, and Tate Crivelli.
He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia Mendinhall of Ankeny, Iowa; Stan (Denise) Soares of Turlock; Dorothy Mead of Central Point, Oregon; and Roland Soares of Yucca Valley.
Albert was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Burke Soares; his parents, Frank and Lydia Soares; and his brother, Larry Soares.
Albert will be remembered as a hardworking and determined man who could certainly be stubborn when he had his mind made up. He worked hard, enjoyed life, loved a good game of softball, had a soft spot for his dogs, and treasured the adventures and memories he shared with Carol, his family, and his friends.
After 79 years, Albert leaves behind more than a lifetime of stories. He leaves a family who loved him, memories that will continue to bring both smiles and tears, and pieces of himself that will remain—in the things he built, the traditions he helped create, and the lives of those who knew and loved him. And as many of Albert and Carol’s handmade decorations are brought out for holidays in the years ahead, there will always be a little reminder of Albert there, too.
A recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, October 13th at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway in Turlock. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, October 14th at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 2555 49th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817.
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