Norbert's Cremation

Hello Everyone!

I am Elsie Soto and I am trying to raise funds to exhume my father, Norbert Soto, remains from Hart Island's mass gravesite.

My parents met at a New York City nightclub in 1979 and immediately fell in love. They lived together in Hells Kitchen and had three beautiful children. After several rough years together they decided to separate. During their separation my father became heavily addicted to drugs. 

In 1990, my father was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. At that time the HIV/AIDS epidemic was very new and it was unclear how the virus was being transmitted. I was not allowed to hug or kiss my father out of fear. There was little to no education on AIDS or any resources available for those who had the disease. My father died within 3 years of diagnosis. Unfortunately, at the time my parents were estranged and we were notified very late of his passing. We were unable to come up with the funds needed or find a funeral home willing to take him. Ultimately, he was buried on Hart Island.
 
On April 22, 2018, almost 25 years to the day he was buried, we were finally able to visit our fathers gravesite. This experience was amazing due to the closure it has brought us. However, the island is currently being run by the Department of Corretions and  we are limited on the time spent at his site. This takes away from our grieving process. We have to wait until potentially August or longer to visit his site again. This is heartbreaking!! 

I am trying to raise funds to have his body exhumed and cremated. I wish to give some ashes to each of my siblings, his three children. The remaining ashes are to be spread in Puerto Rico where he was born and raised.  
The amazing family at John J Fox and Sons Funeral home in the Bronx NY gave us the best price considering the circumstances, we just need a little help from you! 

I would like to send a very special Thank You to Melinda Hunt who  worked tirelessly  to create the Hart Island Project. I would also like to thank Corey Kilgannon of the New York Times for giving a voice to all the unclaimed souls on Hart's Island. 

Please feel free to share and spread the word!

Thank you!

Elsie Soto

( A polaroid picture was taken of us at his site.) Courtesy of D.O.C


( Letter's from my Father, April 1990)