Stephen J. Soares, 70, of Westport, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Oswalda S. Andre-Soares with whom he shared 19 years.

Born in New Bedford, he was a son of Margaret L. (Sylvia) Soares and the late Serafin Soares.

He received a Master's degree from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA and graduated from F.B.I. Academy.

Mr. Soares began a long successful career in law enforcement as a police officer for the Dartmouth Police Department in 1967. He served as Police Chief from 1983 until his retirement in 2000. He moved to Norwich, Vermont, and served as Police Chief from 2001-2004 then became the Norwich town manager for 4 years.

From 2008-2014, he served as Police Chief for the Town of Windsor, Vermont and was a consultant to several police departments. He was a canine officer and an avid supporter of the D.A.R.E program.

Stephen was an outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are his children, Scott J. Soares and wife Rebecca, Gregory M. Soares and wife Barbara, Brian C. Soares and wife Donna and Stephanie Soares-Blaise and husband Mark; one brother, Gary M. Soares and wife Elaine; five grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel and Jacob Soares, Grace Mae Soares and Zoe Soares-Blaise; two nieces and two nephews.

His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.