Joseph Gregory Soltas

Joseph Gregory Soltas, 75, of Brandon, Fla. passed away November 3, 2024. Joe was born in Youngstown, Oh. on June 1, 1949, to Evelyn and Joe Soltas. He graduated from Seacrest High School in Boynton Beach, Fla. then attended Purdue University where he earned a Bachelors degree in Biology and the University of Texas where he earned a Masters degree in Microbiology.

Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served in field artillery, the chemical corp, the IG office, and was an ROTC instructor until his retirement as a Lt. Col. at 20 years. He then continued his love of science by teaching 8th grade science for 19 years with the Hillsborough county schools.

He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and fishing.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn; daughter, Autumn Bronner (Todd) of Lithia, Fla.; son, Rhett Soltas (Katie) of Monterey, Calif.; grandchildren, Luke Bronner, Cody Bronner, Ty Bronner, Adelaide Soltas, Rowan Soltas; sister, JoAnn Truschke of Boynton Beach, Fla.

A celebration of life for Joseph will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2024 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Inurnment to follow at 1:30 p.m. in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida with military honors.