Anibal Soler Obituary
March 12th, 2025 at the age of 76It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anibal Soler, affectionately known as "AL," on March 12, 2025. Born in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, on January 15, 1949, Al spent his life inspiring others with his generous spirit and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. He truly embodied this sentiment, consistently extending his hand to anyone in need and ensuring no one ever felt alone.
Al was a big, strong man with an extensive background in martial arts he could have easily dominated and controlled any situation he desired. However, standing true to the principles of Judo translates to the "gentle way". He made sure to extend gentleness and kindness, so the surrounding people could feel safe. This is a testament to his gentle nature that his family and friends can attest to his warrior spirit. This warrior spirit comes from years of dedicated focus and discipline that enabled him to hone his warrior spirit making him a reliable friend, mentor, father, husband, uncle, great uncle, and principal.
Al mentored many teachers and inspired them to reach their full potential in their careers by becoming administrators. As a principal in the Philadelphia School District, Al fostered leadership in numerous middle and high school students by empowering them. Thus, going with the philosophy of "Each One Teach One".
After retirement, Al pursued his passions, having a good time with his longtime friend and brother-in-law Ray as they religiously went to the shooting range to enjoy the day. Al also had a passion for singing, writing poetry and even had his own YouTube channel to share the songs he wrote.
Anibal leaves behind a legacy of love and service remembered by his wife, Hope, and his siblings, Carmen, Jose, Josephine, Mary, Miriam, John, Lolita, and Edward. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul Brian Soler, daughter-in-law Stavroula Andrinopoulos, his parents, Julio and Evangelista Soler, and his brothers, Ismael and Julio.
Al's memory brings to mind the quote, "Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time."
Please join us in commemorating Anibal's life at a visitation to be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm at Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19136.
We encourage you to leave memories, stories, and photos of Anibal on his memorial page. His love, compassion, and generosity touched so many lives, and we invite you to help us celebrate his remarkable journey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Mary I. Ramírez. Ed.D.
September 22, 2025
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.
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George W. Roesser, Ed D
April 3, 2025
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
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8000 Rowland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136
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