John Michael Solka

John’s life was rich and varied. Growing up in Braddock, he served as an altar boy at Sacred Heart Parish. He worked at his family’s store on Braddock Avenue, Brownie’s Smoke Shop and graduated from St. Thomas High School. He was drafted into the US Army in 1959 and served in San Francisco and Korea. He loved his country and his friends. He loved bowling, playing softball, playing poker with his buddies on a Friday night, betting on football, going to the harness races at The Meadows with his Dad, Frank and playing Keno with his friends at the Westward Ho, Texas Station and Red Rock here in Las Vegas.

John was a Westinghouse retiree, having worked for 30 years for the ‘Circle W ’ in numerous positions from the downtown Gateway center offices in the mail room through his final position in the Savings Plan at the Tele-computer Center on Britain Road in Braddock Hills, PA.

Beyond his professional career, John liked collecting coin mint sets, quirky little toys, cowboy hats, boots and baseball caps. Above all, he treasured being a Pap Pap. He liked Elvis, a good melodic song and horror movies. You could always find him with a book.

He was a stickler for being on time. He was intimidating, with a loud, stern voice. But he was also the most generous person you could ever meet. With a streak of integrity almost none could match.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank (Brownie) Solka and Irene (Yakubik) Solka.

He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Mary Anne (Vincunas) Solka and his daughters Stacey Anne Seaman (Martin) and Janice Wilcox (Chris) as well as his grandchildren John Wilcox and Alicia Robb.

He also leaves behind his siblings Monica Lassiter (Don) and Donna Corchene (the late Ronald) as well as numerous brother and sister-in- laws, nieces and nephews.

Please contact the family directly for information about April memorial services. If so moved, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local charity of your choice