William T. Soltis, age 79, of Bridgeport, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2014 in Bridgeport Hospital. "Uncle Bill" as he was affectionately known to everyone, was born in Bridgeport to the late George and Helen (Pjatak) Soltis and has been a life long area resident. He was a graduate of Harding High School Class of 1953 and earned a BS from the University of Bridgeport. Bill was a Peacetime Veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Consolidated Industries of Cheshire as Director of Human Resources. He was a life long member of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist in Bridgeport, where he was actively involved as, a former Church Officer and Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Fathers and Sons Organization, the Veteran's Group, St. John's Seniors, Chairman of the Christmas Fair Raffle, and St. John's Cemetery Association Board of Directors. Bill was a founder of St. John's Sr. "R" Club where he served many capacities, including President, Treasurer, and was Chairman of the Scholarship Fund. He was an active member of both the Atlantic District, where he was past-Governor and Treasurer, and the national "R" Clubs, where he also served as Treasurer. Bill was also a Founding Member and Treasurer of the New England Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society. Along with his leadership in the church and his club participation, Bill was especially proud of portraying St. Nicholas at the annual Sunday School holiday breakfast. But most of all Uncle Bill will be lovingly remembered for his kindness and sincerity, putting others before himself. He gave countless rides, made outreach visits, sent letters and cards to the sick and shut-ins., and was always available to those in need. Bill was also a member of the Harding High School class of '53 reunion committee. He was an avid tennis player and was a member of the Stratford Tennis Association and enjoyed his weekly golf group. Survivors include his beloved nieces and nephews, Holly Mesavage and her husband Peter of Stratford, Michael N. Hritz and his wife Elizabeth of Spring, TX, and William J. Hritz and his partner Michael Kascak of Boston, MA, and great-nieces and nephews, Peter M. Mesavage and his wife Brie, Sara A. Mesavage, and Julie H. Mesavage all of Stratford, 2 great-great nephews, Brody and Kingston. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother George Soltis and sister Helen Hritz and her husband Michael. A Requiem Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13th, at 10 a.m. meeting directly in the Carpatho Russian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist 364 Mill Hill Ave, Bridgeport. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet his family on Friday from 3-7 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. A Panachida Service will be at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in Bill's memory to St. John's "R" Club Scholarship Fund.