Joseph Michael Solak Sr.

He was born in Portland on October 9, 1945; the son of the late Matthew "Spud" and Mildred (Rice) Solak. He attended local schools and in 1962 he entered into the armed forces and proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps.

Mike served two tours in Vietnam. He saved the lives of many of his Marine brethren. During one conflict, one of Mike’s brother Marines, Michael Wocheck was severely wounded and Mike placed the man’s severed legs over his shoulder and then carried the man to the medics. He was later awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and valor. In 1967 Mike returned stateside and was honorably discharged with a rank of Corporal. He then finished his education and became a Master Carpenter.

Mike will be most remembered for being a loving and caring man. When he was a young man at the age of 12 he quit school early and went to work for Pepsi Cola to help his mom take care of his sister's and brother. It didn’t stop there. While serving his country he sent his allotment check home to his mother every month to help his family.

Mike worked for himself as a General Contractor. He loved the outdoors, and especially going fishing with his wife children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing tournament trips to New York with friends. Along with his loving wife Linda; Mike traveled to Florida, took trips on the Scotia Prince, and loved to try his luck at Foxwoods. He also enjoyed playing poker games with friends, restoring antique cars and woodworking. He was a member of the Amvets Post 25, V.F.W., the American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Mike was an honest, hardworking and grateful person that appreciated all that life had to offer, and had a true concern for others, especially in their time of need. His love of family and loyalty to friends will never be forgotten. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandbabies, watching them play, and teaching them things. Papa was everything to them. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone, especially the families in the neighborhood. His wife and family was everything to him.

Predeceasing Mike are his parents, and a sister Ellen.

Surviving is his loving and dedicated wife Linda J. (Wildes) Solak of Standish; children, Michelle Banks and her husband Clay of California, Joseph M. Lerman and his wife Meaghan of Saco, Michael Wildes Solak and his fiancé Crystale of Biddeford, Jessica M. Solak and her partner Lance of Portland, David Solak and his wife Melissa of Standish; grandchildren, Javanna, Alexiah, Michael Jr., Sophia, Brian III, Jack, David Jr. and Luke; Owen, Evan, Andrea, Tyler and Austin. Also surviving are his sisters Patricia “Patty”, Mary, Marion, Linda, Andrea, and Millie as well as three brothers, Matthew, and Andrew and Norman; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St.; where a funeral service will be held following visitation at 2:00PM. Committal service with military honors will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park

In lieu of flowers the Solak family suggests memorials be made Hospice of Southern Maine at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

To leave messages of condolence and sign the online guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.