Anibal Soler

My deepest condolences to family and friends regarding the passing of Al Soler. He was my principal at Roberto Clemente Middle School in the early 1990's, and was one of the kindest and warmest educators I have ever worked with. Aníbal was an excellent role model for young people, and a very fair and hard working administrator. I still remember when Al would show the students judo moves in the gym. He was very proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, and helped our Aspira student club win school club of the year. Al loved music, dance and food, and shared all this with the students.
Although our school building was old and in a high poverty neighborhood, Al strongly supported our school's efforts for improvement.
I kept in touch with Al through the PA Association of Hispanic School Administrators (PAHSA), and I know he was always highly respected in the School District of Philadelphia.
Aníbal will be deeply missed, and although he has departed this earth too soon, he created a wonderful legacy of educational success and kindness. We are all better for having known him. He is in my prayers.

In February of 1985, Al Soler came into my life...he was a Supervisor in Philadelphia's ELOL program, and I was the very new principal of John Paul Jones Junior High School. As his obituary says, he was quiet and unassuming, but also communicated a powerful personal strength that quickly gave me self assurance in my new job. I can remember exactly where we stood in the main office...I can also remember that Al and I became good friends, and heart felt colleagues for over thirty years.
Al was a quiet man of intergrity and, perhaps because of his training in Judo, someone dedicated to his career utilizing the highest character. He could also be empathetic, caring, and insightful. On many occasions, we'd talk about how he and I "wrestled" with internal and external obstacles that the children in ours schools fought with daily. Al was always willing to help his students with those conflicts.
My sincerest condolences to his family, and large group of friends, that I was fortunate to meet with...often sharing laughter and comradery as we supported the challenges we've faced. I already miss Al, knowing that he will always be a part of my reflection of the phenonemal experiences that we shared together.
George W. Roesser, Ed D
School Dis=trict of Philadelphia