Jose F. Soria

Jose F. Soria
Norfolk - Jose Francisco Soria, 69, of the 800 block of Shirley Avenue, died peacefully at home with his loving family at his side. A native of Penns Grove, New Jersey, Jose Soria was the son of the late Francisco and Palma Palumbo Soria.
Jose Soria graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, class of 1968 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and began his career as an architect. He was the principle of Soria Associates since its inception in 1974. He recently specialized in designing and constructing affordable housing for first time home buyers. He was a former member of Second Presbyterian Church where he had been President of Men of the Church and sang in the choir. He was a former chairman of the Mayor's Commission for People with Disabilities. He was a fantastic cook and loved to create elaborate meals for family and friends. Last year he entered the Virginia State Fair as a member of the Virginian-Pilot Dream Team and won third place in the yeast bread category.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Joyce Van Winkle Soria of Norfolk and his two daughters, Francesca M.S. Guerrero and her husband Nathan of Arlington, VA and Mercedes Palma Soria of Norfolk, his sisters, Jean Kemp of Centreville, VA and Stephanie Botterell of Falls Church, VA. He is also survived by his granddaughter Sara Josefina Guerrero and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, Norfolk, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM, led by the Reverend Billy Ricketts and the Reverend James Gates. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends in the Norfolk chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial donations may be sent to Sentara Health Foundation - Hospice. We also gratefully acknowledge the wonderful assistance and consideration of Norfolk Fire Rescue. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.