Robert Soto Obituary

Remembering Robert as a close friend, classmate, and fellow officer from our earliest days until the end. You are missed
RIP, Bob

Another year has passed, and the memories of Bob will always be there. I think of Bob often, as we shared our beginnings together at the Police Academy in 85'. Had many good times I'll always treasure. Continue to rest easy, Bob. You are very much alive in more people than I can count.

I had the pleasure of going through Academy training with Bob. He was always cheerful and encouraging to me and everyone else in the class. He is missed and not forgotten.

Been 11 years already. Hard to believe. But I'll remember Bob from our time in the Academy, and all the good times we shared during that time. He was a good friend and made everyone smile.

It was only two weeks later I had a disabling injury myself on the job while performing official duty. August 22nd of 2008 was my last day on the street. But I still lived. I thought of Bob often during that time.

Bob will continue to be an encouraging person to all who knew him. I look forward to the day I can see him again in all our glory.

I understand it has been almost a year, but I have recently found out about the tragic loss of Robert. I used to live on the block of 51st Mozart, in Chicago, IL. I knew Diana and Robert Jr from across the street and we used to go to grammer school together. " Mr Soto" used to give us a ride to school in the mornings. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Although I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Officer Robert Soto, I was sadden to hear of his sudden and tragic death. I recently lost "2" brothers also sudden and tragic and is heartful to loose someone you loved so dearly. My husband is also a Police Officer and I can't imagine the pain the "Soto Family" is enduring. My deepest condolences to the Soto Family. May the lord give you strength to move forward and may your loved one rest in peace. Sincerely from a Garfield Neighbor.

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

By Christina Rossetti
The Poetry Foundation

When I heard the news report of Offficer Robert Soto, I immediately thought of one of my grammer school classmates from Peter Cooper Elementary in Pilsen. Then I saw his photo and I reconized that same grin and surprisingly I could still hear his laugh and voice from way back then, when we were both just kids.
My condolenses and prayers go out to his wife, kids & family (I remember his sister Alexandra too).
I remember Robert as a funny and friendly kid and from accounts, he carried those traits through life as well becoming stand-up guy. Also, I believe that Robert and any other fallen officer in good standing should be formally and honorably reconized as such, by all, especially since they have taken an oath that puts them in 'the line of duty', 24/7.

We all know Bob was an excellent police officer who could handle any job. He was also a good friend to many. I will always remember the good times we shared. His sense of humor and laughter will always be a part of my memory. We pray for his wife and family.
Daniel Vargas and Family
Rest in peace VATO.

To the Soto Family
My deepest condolences to you for your loss.
I didn't know Bob, but from everything I've heard from those that did, he was a great guy and and excellent Police Officer.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless you and Bob and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Patty Clarke, Ret. C.P.D. &
Gold Star Family Member

Rest in Peace Bobby..

I was extremely saddened with the news of Bob Soto's untimely death.
Bob was my good friend in our Academy class when we started in July of 1985. I'll always think of him as my buddy who I shared our beginnings with on the Chicago Police Dept. Bob will always be remembered by all who knew him as being the one they wanted to be around. He would be your friend when you had no other, and spoke well of everyone. "Lets go by Soto" was what many did when they needed a quick laugh to help their day along. Many will miss him in his unit, and so will those he worked with in the units before B & A. Bob's family must be extremely proud of his accomplishments. Bob can rest easier now knowing of the loyalties he inspired, not only from his family, but of the many citizens who remember the service he gave doing the work he preferred most for so many, proudly, and with distinction. We will miss you, brother. And we will not forget you. Thank you for the happy memories we have of the better times which were truly magical. God in Heaven remembers those times, too. And we'll see you in that better world ahead of all of us. Bob, you are the first to be rewarded with the peace you so deserve.

To all the Soto Family,

I am so very sorry to hear of Bob's tragic death. I have known him since he and Elda were dating,and married. He always wanted to be a PO. That was all he talked about before he went on the job. How sad his life ended this way. I know there is nothing anyone can say or do to make it easier for you.......I sure wish there was.

May all your happy memories comfort you now, and in the days ahead. May God hold Bob in the palm of his hand. I hope He will give you all the strength and peace of mind you need to get through this very difficult time. 

My sympathy and prayers for all of your family.

I haven't communicated much with the Soto family recently, but I was a good friend of Robert Soto Jr.
I wanted to share my deepest condolences and let Robert Jr. know that I am sorry for his loss.
I will keep your father in my thoughts and prayers.

Roberto & I worked together at the Sun-Times in the early 1980s, working on such projects as Kup's Purple Heart Cruise. He was always upbeat, cracking jokes, never griping. He was cool under pressure, which made his career choice in police work a good fit. Bob Soto was a gem and his spirit lives. My condolences to his family and all who served with him.

Our condolences to Bobby’s family. I have fond memories of us as children. While we did not see much of each other over the years, I know Bobby was a good man. He always had a smile for us.

Your Cousin Freddy & Family

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains' Unit. May Robert's family know the healing presence of Christ during this difficult time. You remain in our prayers!

my sympathy goes out to the family.
God bless every one who know him.
He will be miss!!!!!oxoxoxoxoxox to you Robert!!!!!!!!!!!

Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss...my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Bob's memory will always be in my heart.With Love and Remembrance

My heart goes out to his family and closest friends. I know he will be missed. Even in this sad time I can't help but think of him and smile because he was always saying something outrageously funny.
The 010 District was one big family when I worked there, and even though many of us now work different places that bond has never broken. Sleep well my friend, and please watch out for the rest of us. Love

Let time heal the pain. . .and love heal the heart. Uncle Bobby, to your family and friends you will always be our Superhero, always giving never asking for thanks. Thank You, Thank you for everything.

Bobby, it was a pleasure working with you..........knowing you.
Rest now. Ron Wallace
Unit 715 South

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, in this time of grief. May his memories bring comfort to all.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.