Michael Solak, Jr

PORTLAND - Michael Solak Jr. 67, of Portland Maine, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2014, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. He was born on October 7, 1946, a son of the late Michael Solak and Mary (Dorazio) Solak. Michael grew up in Portland Maine and graduated from Portland High School in 1965. Later, he received an associate's degree in Business from The University of Southern Maine. He served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves during the Vietnam Conflict from 1968 until 1970. Michael was employed at Pratt Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut immediately following High School. He came home to enlist in the Navy which included a Round the World cruise on the USS Shangri-La. On August 23, 1969 he married Marie Savard at St. Patrick's church. They were happily married for 45 years. Michael was a former communicant of St Patrick's church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus 101. He enjoyed his work on the school board and the Family Life Committee. Following his tour in Vietnam, Michael was employed at various plumbing and heating wholesale businesses, before deciding to stay home full time to raise his three children. Michael was predeceased by his sister Rita Casey. Michael is survived by his wife Marie of Portland, his daughter Elizabeth Solak-Priddy of South Portland, sons William Solak of Berwick with his wife Tracy, and Michael Solak of Portland, his three grandchildren Rebecca, Zoe, and Lydia; his brothers Robert Munson and his wife Marie, John Solak; his sisters Theresa Solak-Eldert, Patricia Schools and her husband Michael, Maryann Ellis and her husband Richard, Jeannette Griffin and her husband John, as well as many nieces and nephew. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Maine Veterans Home for their compassionate care. Visiting hours will be held at Conroy Tully Crawford, South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Monday September 29th, from 5 - 8 PM. Prayers will be recited 9:15 Tuesday at Conroy Tully Crawford, South Portland Chapel, followed by a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.