Eladio Soto III

Eladio Soto III

October 13, 1949 – April 24, 2026

Eladio Soto III, lovingly known as “Chiro”, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, U.S. Army veteran, police officer, and cherished coach, passed peacefully into glory and straight into the arms of his savior on April 24, 2026, at 5:16 a.m. in El Paso, Texas. Born on October 13, 1949, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Chiro lived a life marked by service, strength, and deep devotion to his family and community.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Chiro answered the call to serve his country with honor and integrity. Following his military service, he dedicated a combined 48 years as a Police Officer at the New Haven, Connecticut police department and at the Naval Air Station Pensacola police department, retiring in 2016. His coworkers affectionately knew him as “The Godfather,” a testament to the respect, guidance, and protective spirit he brought to the role. Many in the community also knew him as Coach Soto, a patient and encouraging mentor to the countless softball players he coached over the years, instilling in them not only athletic skills but also values of teamwork, perseverance, and character. He loved his softball girls as if they were his own and was a constant figure in the dugout. 

Above all, Chiro was a man of strong Christian faith. He found his greatest joy in his family and in living out his beliefs through quiet acts of love, leadership, and service. As a devoted husband to his wife Wanda, he modeled Christ-like commitment and care. He poured his heart into raising his children and later delighting in his role as a grandfather. He carried the title of “Papa” with pride. You could usually find Chiro smiling and laughing while showing off his latest dance moves to his grandkids, but only after indulging in a hefty plate of arroz con gandules y chuletas fritas. Chiro’s life was full of love, laughter, family, friends, food and music, lots of music! 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years Wanda Soto, his father Eladio Soto Jr., mother Angelica Soto, sister Ana and brothers Samuel, Israel “Junior”, and David. He is survived by his son, Eladio Soto IV (Alyssa), his daughter Tiffany Clifford (Will), his cherished grandchildren, Connor, Lucas, Max, and Liliana, his brother George and sisters Noemi and Emily, as well as many adored nieces, nephews and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, duty, iconic dance moves and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

We believe with confidence that Chiro has now entered into eternal joy with his heavenly Father, where there is no more pain or sorrow. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

A celebration of Eladio’s life and visitation will be held on May 18, 2026 at 11:30am at Family-Funeral & Cremation. 5627 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32503. 

Procession to Barrancas National Cemetary aboard NAS Pensacola to begin at 1:30pm with inurnment promptly at 2:00pm to finally reunite him with his Wanda, where he yearned to be for so long.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to:

Autism Pensacola, Inc.

10001 N. Davis Hwy

Pensacola, FL 33514

(850) 434-7171

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