Joseph Soltis

Joseph Soltis, 81, formerly of Wilkes-Barre Pa, passed peacefully away in his home with his wife of 54 years by his side. The North Las Vegas resident ended his courageous journey with his extended illness, showing grace, resilience and a sense of humor until the very end. 

Joseph was born in Wilkes-Barre in August of 1945. He was the son of the late John and Stella (Parfinski) Soltis, and was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, class of 1964. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church of Wilkes-Barre from 1988 to when the church closed in 2011. He attended Saint John Neumann Roman Catholic church in North Las Vegas. 

He worked for Blue Ribbon Bakery, Kingston and Metropolitan Wire of Wilkes-Barre. In August 1968 he was sworn into the Wilkes-Barre city Fire department on his 22nd birthday, where he served on the department for 36 years. He and his wife Nancy Ann relocated to North Las Vegas Nevada to enjoy retirement. Joseph enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. He and his wife and family loved camping and visited up and down the east coast, from Quebec Canada to Naples Florida. Joseph was modest and quiet until he got to know a person. He had a work ethic where he liked doing jobs working with his hands. He was always building or repairing something. He had the philosophy that if he didn't accomplish at least one task, the day had been wasted. He would help anyone in need and not seek any recognition for it. He was a devoted husband and father and raised his daughters to be capable and self-sufficient. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Edward Soltis, and sisters, Theresa Soltis, and Adeline Nestorick. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ann, North Las Vegas, NV; daughters Tessa (Ronald, Jr.) LaMarca, Nanticoke, Trava (Brian) Woelfle, Easton, and several nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 25 at St. Nicholas/St. Mary Parrish, 226 S. Washington St, Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.

Family and friends may visit Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Wilkes-Barre.

Condolences may be sent to kniffenfuneralhome.com