Obituaries

Michael Solecki

December 7, 1939 - May 19, 2016

Burial Date May 23, 2016

Michael Anthony Solecki, 78, of Waterford, the beloved husband of Beverly (Rubino) Solecki, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

Mike was born Dec. 7, 1939, in New York, the son of the late Thomas and Dora (Vitalini) Solecki, but soon settled in the New London area and attended local schools where he met Beverly. Mike and Beverly were united in marriage on June 7, 1958 in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.

He worked at General Dynamics in various capacities retiring after 41 years and served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Mike was very active on the local sports scene both as a participant and coach. He was a standout basketball and softball player in the EBAC leagues receiving numerous awards including athlete of the year. He coached local youths for years in the New London Little League and local youth basketball leagues.

Through the years, Mike developed a passion for golf and became a gifted golfer spending as much time as he could as a member and later as an employee of Shennecossett Golf Course. In winter months, he enjoyed going to the Carolina’s to golf with friends and family. Mike was a fantastic cook and loved to garden, often surprising his children and grandchildren with homemade meals and fresh garden vegetables on his seemingly unlimited trips with his wife to Glastonbury and Hebron for visits. Mike was truly a kind, humble, giving, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.

Besides his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, he is survived by four children, Vicki and husband, Gary Apanaschik, of Glastonbury, Thomas and wife, Joanne Solecki, of Hebron, Michael and wife, Lisa Solecki, of Glastonbury, Susan Solecki and partner, Scott Erricson, of Waterford; two brothers, Joseph and wife, Ellen Solecki, of Waterford, George and wife, Linda Klepach, of Pawcatuck. Mike had eight grandchildren who he adored, Kyle, Kristen, Matthew, Erica, Jenna, Robert, Ryan, and Joelle.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Guests are asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am Monday, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 63 Old Norwich Road, Quaker Hill. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery.