Obituary of Brian Solarek
Brian Solarek
February 21, 1968 - July 24, 2022
Brian Carl Solarek, Ph.D., 54, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL was called to his final and most important "mission", along with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Victoria on July 24, 2022 when their vehicle was struck from behind, while coming home from a family vacation.
Brian was born on February 21,1968 to Carl Solarek, Sr. and Joanne Solarek in Hazleton, PA. Brian grew up in Exeter Township, PA. Brian attended Exeter High School where he was on the baseball and wrestling teams. After high school, he went on to attend college. He married Michelle (Whalon) Solarek, they had four children: Hope, Benjamin, Joshua, and Victoria. He was accomplished in the martial arts with multiple black belts and a brown belt. He was a weapon enthusiast and skilled in the use of “hazon choppers”.
Brian, a lifelong learner, earned a dual Bachelor's Degree from Kutztown University, his M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. from Our Lady of the Lake University in Organizational Leadership. He was a member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity at Kutztown University.
Brian served the Boeing Company, as a longtime dedicated employee, of 31 years. His career and success with Boeing would lead him to several transfers, moving his family from Pottstown, PA to Padre Island, TX, and then to Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He won several awards while working at Boeing including the highly esteemed Atlas Award (twice). Brian helped to start the Employee Engagement Team at Boeing Cecil Field. He was described by his coworkers as a “gentle leader” who got things done and the “kindest person” they’d ever met. He was well known around the office for always smiling.
Brian, strong in his faith, led his family in Christian values and the importance of the family bond. He was a soft spoken leader with an unforgettable laugh. He waved and greeted everyone he came across with a big smile. Through the years, Brian enjoyed serving in various ministries, living an active and adventurous life, and spending time with his family. He will be fondly remembered as an individual who sought to lead a positive life and continually look for opportunities to help others and increase his knowledge and understanding. Brian loved God and family above all else. He will be missed by the many lives he touched.
Brian was preceded in death by his daughter, Hope Solarek. Brian passed away with his wife, Michelle (Whalon) Solarek, and his daughter, Victoria Solarek. He is survived by sons, Benjamin Solarek and Joshua Solarek; mother, Joanne (Gajda) Solarek; brother, Carl Solarek, Jr. (Carol); nephews, Cory and Kyle; and a multitude of loving in-laws and extended family and friends.
A “Celebration of Life and Funeral Service” will be held in honor of Brian, Michelle, and Victoria, on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Catharine of Siena Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading PA 19606, followed by a reception in the social hall. A memorial service in Corpus Christi, TX is also being planned. Both services are open to all.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Dawn Outreach or Texas Sealife Center in memory of Brian, Michelle, and Victoria Solarek.
New Dawn Outreach, Inc.
225 E. Duval St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
https://www.newdawnoutreach.org/donate (send an email to dawnelmore@newdawnoutreach.org to let her know the donation was in memory of Brian, Michelle, and Victoria Solarek)
Texas Sealife Center
https://www.texassealifecenter.org/donations/ (use “Special Instructions” to add “In Memory of Brian, Michelle, and Victoria Solarek”)
