Stanley J. Solek, Jr.

Stanley "Stosh" Joseph Solek, Jr., 78, of Berlin, passed away Sunday, April, 27, 2025 at Hartford Hospital after nearly a decade of fighting cancer with faith and strength.  He was born August 5, 1946 in New Britain, CT to Stanley and Mary (Kulakowski) Solek and resided in Berlin, CT along with his six siblings, James, Barbara, Ken, Roger, John and Joey.  He was predeceased by both parents, brothers Joey, recently brother Roger and his infant son, Keith Benson Solek.

Stan graduated from Berlin High School in 1964 and entered into the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany.  Upon his return from Germany, he worked for Pratt & Whitney for a year before fulfilling his life's dream of becoming a police officer.  In 1981 he graduated from the Smith and Wesson Academy where he was trained as a firearms instructor.  He proudly served his Berlin community for 39 years.

Stan loved family, his quality time with his children and grandsons, golf, boating with his brothers, playing cards at the club, cooking, FOX NEWS, uniting with family and friends at the Berlin Polish and Italian Clubs, a hot cup of coffee, and lunch and dinners with friends, family and the wonderful staff at Portofinos and Sans Souci.

He was the former Permittee and member of the Berlin Polish Political Club, member of the Timberlin Golf Club since its founding, the Italian Political Independent Club of Berlin and the Springfield Yacht and Canoe Club in Chester, CT.

Stan leaves his siblings, James (Florine), Barbara Malina (George), Kenneth (Alma) and John (Debi), his beloved children, Michael (Amber), Douglas (Angela) and Kylee Panetta (Neil), his grandchildren whom he adored, Jayce and Reid Panetta, Kipp Solek and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 4 pm - 7 pm at Erickson Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. Calling hours will conclude with military honors at 7 pm.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System.  In the memo line on check, please write in: CDCE GPF 9001 for Cancer Center and mail to VA Connecticut Healthcare System CDCE (135), Attn: Mark Walker, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516.  Stan's children wish to extend their deepest gratitude to Julie Beck, APRN, Dr. Rose, Dr. Nagar, Dr. Rutter, John at the VA pharmacy along with the entire Oncology staff that provided amazing care to Stan over these last nine years at the West Haven VA Hospital and Hartford Hospital.

To honor Stan, his family asks that you cherish your family and friends, spend time with your loved ones and enjoy what fulfills your life.