Selso Sotero

Selso Sotero, Sr., a loving husband, a devoted father, and an amazing family man, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at his home in Dallas, Texas surrounded by his loved ones. Selso came into this world on Friday, April 6, 1923 in Cameron, Texas to his parents Atancio and Concepcion Sotero. He grew up in the during the Great Depression, but despite the meager times, he was a happy and joyful little boy. While many grew up fast during the Great Depression, Selso took on more than most men ever have when World War II ravaged the country and the world. Selso became a member of the United States Army where he fought with the 644th Tank Battalion. He witnessed many hard things during the war, but always seemed to keep his spirit. The 644th Tank Battalion stormed Ohama Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, now known to many as D-Day. Alongside his brothers-in-arms, Selso, just 21 years old at the time, performed his duty on that day which laid the foundation for the end of Nazi reign in the Western front of World War II. He was a proud veteran and war hero whose nation is indebted to his service. Selso’s military endeavors were grand accomplishments, but his life and his adventures were just beginning.

Shortly after arriving home from the war, Selso met Maria San Juana, who was known to her friends and family as Mary Jane. Although she was 9 years younger than him, Mary Jane and Selso were closer and more in love than any couple they knew. They were married in the late 1940’s and grew more in love as they grew their family. Selso and Mary Jane had 7 children, one of which carried on his father’s name. Throughout Selso’s life, he was blessed with his 7 children, 17 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 30 great-great-grandchildren. Within each generation, Selso’s legacy has been passed down all the way to Selso Sotero, V. To support his wife and children, Selso worked…and worked. His family loving claimed that he was a workaholic in the best sense. He worked for 33 years as a welder with Master Tank and Welding. He never once took a day off whether for sickness or vacation days. He was very committed to his job. When Master Tank and Welding was purchased in 1980’s, Selso began a new job as a crossguard with Dallas Independent School District. He enjoyed working with the little children and their parents as he made sure they got to school and back home safely. He continued working with DISD for many years and would have continued working there if it wasn’t for a failed hearing exam. Although he was no longer working for a company or organization, that did not stop Selso from still being very productive. Selso instead mowed his yard and other yards in his neighborhood. If all the mowing was caught up or it was wintery instead, he would try to fix things instead. Sometimes the fixes were beneficial and other times they weren’t, but Selso just enjoyed being active and working.

Other things that Selso enjoyed in life were the Dallas Cowboys and eating. The Sotero family called Selso “Jaws” due to his love of eating just about anything. Some of his favorite foods and drinks included beans and rice, cottage cheese, peaches, potato chips, fruit, coffee, sandwiches, and sweets. He loved his sweets like Chips Ahoy Cookies, Twinkies, empanadas, cupcakes, and various cookies. Just about every day, Selso would start the day with a breakfast bar and a banana, but he never considered that breakfast. Instead it was more of a pre-breakfast snack before his real breakfast. Every day when he got back from work whether that was at the welding company, helping children cross the streets, or finishing the yard, he would treat himself to a bologna sandwich with cheese. He always had to make sure there was cheese on his sandwich because he loved cheese. His family joked that he could eat blocks of it, he liked cheese so much. Selso also liked watching the Dallas Cowboys with his family. Occasionally, Selso would dress much like a traditional cowboy himself with his western wear that made him always look very handsome. Selso had many passions and joys in life, but his main joy was his family. He loved his family so much just as they loved him. Selso always brought joy to his family through his caring actions, sweet spirit, and his ever-present humor. The love Selso bore for each of his family members will stay with them forevermore.

Selso Sotero, Sr. is survived by his children, Samuel Sotero and his wife, Estella, Concepcion Sierra, Selso Sotero, Jr. and his wife, Rita, Roglio Sotero (who became a veteran just like his father) and his wife, Martha, Delores Constanos and her husband, Ernest, Patricia “Patsy” Hernandez, and Ramiro Sotero; his 17 grandchildren; his 46 great-grandchildren; his 30 great-great-grandchildren; and many friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Selso Sotero, Sr. is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane Sotero, and his sister.

The life of Mr. Selso Sotero, Sr. will be honored during a visitation on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hughes Family Tribute Center. The rosary will be recited at 6:30. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Selso Sotero, Sr. will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Edwards Catholic Church. Mr. Selso Sotero, Sr. will be laid to rest next to his wife, Mary Jane, at Crown Hill Memorial Park.