Kerry John Soave, beloved son, brother, uncle, grandfather, godfather, and friend, passed away on September 19, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was
born on October 4, 1946, in Michigan.
Kerry was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Mafalda, and his three brothers, Frank, Kenneth, and Thomas. Kerry grew up in Oak Park, Michigan, on Sussex Street — remembered by many as a uniquely close community. His home was the gathering place, where friends and neighbors spent endless summer days swimming in his pool, laughing on the porch late into the night, and building lifelong bonds.
In his youth, Kerry attended Eastern Michigan University before serving his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. The day he returned home in uniform, stepping onto his front porch, he was greeted with admiration and pride — a moment forever etched in the memory of those who loved him.
A gifted athlete, Kerry played baseball throughout Detroit, including for the Lucidies Lounge team. He cherished the game, the camaraderie, and the laughter it brought. In the mid-1970s, Kerry moved to Florida, where his love for baseball continued. Outside of work, he could often be found on the field, at the horse track, grabbing breakfast at McDonald’s, or surrounded by family and friends.
Known to many as “Papa K,” Kerry lived a full and exciting life, but his greatest joy was being a grandfather. From playing Santa each Christmas Eve at the Wolfer home, to refereeing prep football games, to go-kart and golf cart rides — he was always ready to join in the fun. After work, he often stopped by to play “Hide” with the kids, filling their days with laughter and surprise.
His bright spirit, booming personality, and endless love for his family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and the everyday moments he always found a way to make special.
Kerry is survived by his cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Griffin, and Preston Wolfer; Haley Hunt; and Maxam and Zsih Olatunde. He also leaves behind his daughters-in-love, Deana Hunt and Amy Reeves; his sons-in-law, Ron Hunt and Tom Reeves; and his goddaughter, Natasha, with her spouse Toyin Olatunde. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.
A celebration of Kerry’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather t0 honor his memory and share the countless stories that reflect his extraordinary life.
He will be missed deeply and remembered always.
Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Natasha Olatunde
September 23, 2025, 5:22 pm
Will never forget the love and care you gave to me. You will be missed daddy! I know you love me but I love you so much more. – Tasha
Mark Petrie
September 23, 2025, 6:28 pm
RIP Kerry , you were always a gracious and caring man and friend. Godspeed my friend. ❤️
Mary Jo Hebert
September 23, 2025, 10:46 pm
Papa, you will always live in our hearts and memories. You have impacted so many lives. You fought your battle with cancer with strength and dignity until the end. I hope you are at peace now. Rest Papa K until we meet again.
Sherri Bogorad
September 24, 2025, 3:26 am
Dear Kerry, our bond started the day you came home from Vietnam and stepped out on your porch in your uniform. You became one of my best friends. I never laughed as much with you in my whole life. We had so many fun times and adventures. You were my sunshine I will always miss you and I will never forget you. Rest peaceful my friend. May your memory be a blessing!
Becky Mitchell/ Mike Mitchell
September 24, 2025, 1:40 pm
Just loved our friend Kerry!! From softball to fun parties and gatherings during our lives. He always had a joke our some crazy funny thing to make us laugh. He was always the life of the party. We will miss this fun loving awesome human for always. I’m sure by now everyone in heaven has welcomed him with a smile. So happy we got to visit one last time. Rest in peace friend… 🙏💔
Amy A. Reeves
September 25, 2025, 4:41 pm
I still can’t believe you are gone. The sadness is so strong and present. You were such an important part of our lives and I for one am going to miss you immensely. Tuesdays and Thursdays will not be the same without your silly self, “who knocked”. Holidays will be noticeably different and your presence will be missed! As Mary Jo said, you fought with dignity and strength until the end. I’m glad we were able to spend your last day on earth together. I love you Papa K and I miss you already! Bye for now. ❤️💙💚
Lissa Palombo
September 27, 2025, 3:24 pm
I was the first daugjter-in-law in the Soave family after marrying Kerry’s older brother Frank. Needless to say, coming from a family of girls, and being on the shy side back then, entering into their outgoing Italian family of boys was a bit overwhelming for me @ the young age of 20. Kerry enjoyed teasing the HE DOUBLE L out of me. and I must say, it was rather intimidating @ first. But, over the years he became to me, the “big brother” I never had. We stayed in touch on & off over the many years gone by & became closer with time. Kerry was a unique person, a tease YES, but with a kind & gentle heart, He could make me laugh like no other, and had the ability to help raise me up when I was down. I will miss him terribly, but I’m glad he’s @ peace now & back with his family. I Love you my brother. ❤️
Jeannie Rose Koziol
November 14, 2025, 11:44 pm
To my high school (& beyond) Sweetheart
I have had thoughts of you for over 60 years but those thoughts became strangely overwhelming in the past 6 months. I decided on my birthday (11/09) to attempt to send you a friends request. I truly wanted to say hi and catch up on our various lives. Since we had no mutual friends, I had to explore other sites only to find with great sadness your obituary. I was (am) devastated to discover that you are gone and I missed connecting with you by a few months. If only I had acted on my initial feelings, I could have said hi/goodbye.
The memories of our young love and you will be with me forever.
Rest in peace Kerry John Soave!!!
Love you, Jeannie Rose