SOUTHWICK: Walter Francis Solek, 88, (1927-2015) passed away on Thursday December 17th at home surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born at home, in Southwick, on June 13, 1927, a son of the late John and Mary (Bannish) Solek. For 50 years he ran the Solek Family Farm; previously working for Hamilton Standard for 10 years.
He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield. Walter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Florence (Lemanski) Solek; his children and their spouses, Michael Solek and his wife Leslie, of Westfield, Jean Nilsson and her husband Joel, James Solek and Teresa Coward and her husband John, all of Southwick; two sisters, Mary Rapacki of Southwick, Rose “De De” Fleming of Suffield, CT; a brother in law, Donald Schultz of Southwick; a sister in law, Joan Solek of Southwick; 8 grandchildren, Ryan Solek, Kevin Solek, Sean Solek, Brianna Solek, Andrew Solek, Gabrielle Solek, Katheryn Coward and John Coward.
He also leaves nieces, nephews, and cousins.Walter was pre-deceased by a brother John Solek and a sister, Gloria Schultz.
Calling hours will be held on Monday December 21st from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Route 202/10) Southwick.The funeral will begin at 8:30 AM on Tuesday December 22nd from the funeral home; to be followed by a 10:00 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial, celebrated in Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm St., Westfield. Burial will follow in New Cemetery, College Highway, Southwick.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, 77 Mill St., Suite 201 Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Southwick Fire Department, 15 Depot St., Southwick, MA 01077. www.forastiere.com
