John J. Soltes Jr., avid hunter

John J. Soltes Jr., 96, died peacefully at his daughter and son-in-law’s home in Long Neck, Sunday, March 27, 2011, surrounded by family and his wife of 72 years, Virginia. He was born December 20, 1914, in Stowe, Pa., and was the son of John and Elizabeth Soltes.

John, an avid hunter and fisherman all his life, always caught or bagged his limit. John enjoyed sharing stories about The Great Depression with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was most happy fishing on the Delaware or Indian River Bay or squirrel and deer hunting near his home.

He worked as a welder most of his life with jobs at The Safe Works, Alloy Rods and retiring after 17 years at York Borg-Warner, now Johnson Controls in York, Pa.

John moved to Delaware upon his retirement and settled in Long Neck, close to his passion for hunting and fishing.

He was pre-deceased in death by his parents; brother William; and sisters Elizabeth Sullivan and Irene DeLong. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Bernhardt Soltes; his sons, John and wife Margaret, Ronald and his wife, Darlene, and daughter, Judith and husband Steve Nusbaum. He has eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service mass at a future date, time and location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Delaware Hospice Inc., 911 South DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901 in his name.