Freedom, Maine - Thomas Harley Soares, master mariner, bio engineer technician, and outdoorsman, passed away peacefully at home, March 31, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old. Tom was born in New London, CT, on September 4, 1948, to Mary (Baum) and Francis Cooke Soares Jr.

Tom grew up alongside his older brother, Frank, and sister, Carolyn, on the island of Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. His mother would say you could find him on the beach or exploring the woods for Menehune. The love of the ocean took root and guided him all over the world.

In 1960, his family relocated to Southwest Harbor, Maine. He attended and graduated from Pemetic High School. Following the lure of the sea, he went lobstering off Cranberry Island and also obtained his 100-ton captain's license.

The seas, yet again, were calling him to a warmer place, Florida, where he would live until his retirement. Tom spent many years chasing sunrises across the waves, yachting for private boats and eventually sat and obtained his Master Mariner license. He then commanded the navigation of tankers all over the world.

In 1994, he went back to school, looking for a change. He graduated with honors on March 8, 1996, as a bio-medical engineering technician. He took a job at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, working on critical care life support systems, until he retired.

After the death of his beloved wife, Janet (Adamson) Soares, Tom longed to be back in Maine. He had long desired to build a cabin in the rustic woods of Maine and be near his brother. In 2014 he made his way back to Maine, to his cabin in the woods and his best friend, Jani (black lab).

Tom's greatest accomplishment was in 2015 when he made his way into an AA Meeting and said, "Hi I am Tom a REAL alcoholic!" He began to live one day at a time, kept it simple, always told the truth, let go and let God, and most importantly passed it forward. Tom celebrated 10 years sober in 2025. He got sober and found the happiest years of his life. He found the family he had so long lived without, many AA friends, his brother and wife, and the reuniting of his daughter and husband, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though this time was short, it was lived, filled with coffee cups and late nights talks, where he shared the scars that he once hid. Commenting on the fact that if God can fix this heart, just think what else He can do! With a sparkle in his eye and jocularity, he would be sure to leave you with a good laugh. His sense of humor and love will be missed.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Tarnya Sanborn and husband, Reg; his grandchildren, Justin Bunker, Caleb Sanborn, and Karlena Sanborn; his five great-grandchildren; and his sister, Carolyn. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet (Adamson) Soares; father, Francis Soares Jr.; mother, Mary (Baum) Soares; and brother, Francis Cooke Soares III.

A celebration of life BBQ will be held June 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 22 Cookson Rd., Albion, ME 04910. Bring your own chair and a good story. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a dear friend of Tom's whom was heavy on his heart in his last days, due to his friend losing everything in a fire. Donations may be sent to Jerome Reynolds, c/o Kathy Beller, 293 Pattee Rd. Ext., Monroe ME 04951. Condolences may be expressed at jordanfernald.com.