Obituary of William R. Soloski

William R. “Bill” Soloski, 74, of Port Douglas Road, Keeseville, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 after a recent battle with lung cancer, finally joining his beloved wife, Diana. He was born in Ticonderoga on December 11, 1947, the son of Edmund F. Soloski (nee Sokolowski) and Jean (Midkiff) Soloski. Growing up in Port Henry, Bill developed a keen knowledge of local history. He went on to study at SUNY New Paltz. He worked for nearly 40 years as a supervising claims examiner for NYS Department of Labor and was a well-respected supervisor and co-worker. He was incredibly proud of his long career assisting citizens of the North Country. He met the love of his life, Diana Rankin Laundree, in 1991 and they married in 1995. He spent the remainder of his time with her doting on her and adoring her beautiful smile. Together, he and Diana formed special relationships with all of their children and grandchildren, making a strong and unique family. Bill could often be found cheering for his grandchildren at sporting events, supporting them at dance performances and bragging about their accomplishments. He, His children Tina and Tania and her children Brian and Christine, became fast friends. Bill was an accomplished handyman and electrician, assisting many friends and family with home projects. He was incredibly proud of having designed the home he and Diana had built together, having completed much of the work himself. Over the years, Bill enjoyed many hobbies. He was a golfer, scale modeler, gardener, target shooter and nature photographer. His beautiful Adirondack photographs adorned their home and at times were displayed in local shops. An avid learner, Bill frequently delved into a new hobby or interest; he would thoroughly research and typically master one hobby before diving into the next. Whether it was genealogy, bird watching, or Native American history, his family often marveled at how he could know so damn much. Bill was incredibly generous with his time, knowledge, and expertise. He enthusiastically shared his hobbies with friends and family; he loved building raised gardening beds, cooking and delivering meals, and completing electrical projects for friends. During the years that Bill enjoyed rose gardening, he carried a vase of his fresh cut roses with him, handing them out to store clerks and people he ran into while running errands. We all benefitted from Bill’s hobbies and interests. “Wild Bill” was adventurous. He was once a member of a pit crew at the Walkins Glen speedway. He enjoyed several glider rides. Bill fondly remembered his days of sailing on Lake Champlain and entering the Plattsburgh Mayor’s Cup race (they didn’t win). Bill had a special love for the Caribbean. He enjoyed several sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands, and he loved to tell stories of his island escapades. A thrill seeker even in his later years, he enjoyed skydiving for the first time at the age of 70. Though his children were never brave (crazy) enough to jump out of a plane with him, his daughters have fond memories of zip lining and rappelling together. Not only was Bill an Adirondack 46er, but he hiked many mountains twice, so he could add the distinction of having completed each as a solo hike. His children are thankful for their shared love of hiking and enjoying the time together in the mountains, as well as learning from him about flora, geology, local history, and respect for nature along the way. In particular, his family and friends enjoyed being the beneficiaries of his amazing cooking. While Bill had many specialties, he was the resident grill master and was most known for his baby back ribs. He was an amazing host and cook, treating family and friends to meticulously planned, homemade meals. If you were lucky enough to be invited for dinner, you found yourself enjoying great food, great company, and great conversation. He loved to let the beer, the bourbon and the BS flow freely. Bill had a vast knowledge of music and movie trivia, and an uncanny ability to recall obscure song lyrics. A self-proclaimed know-it-all, he really did know it all. An amazing armchair Jeopardy player, Bill frequently withheld the keys to his red Mustang from his teenage daughters until they successfully provided 3 correct Jeopardy questions. He was known for his sharp wit and quirky sense of humor, which he maintained throughout his illness. “Mr. Diana,” as the staff at Fitzpatrick Cancer Center dubbed him, was a tireless caregiver and advocate for Diana during her illness. He loved her endlessly and our grief in losing our father and friend is softened by the knowledge that they are reunited. Left to cherish his memory and to ponder how they might recreate that famous baby back rib sauce are his children: Tina Soloski (David Welch) and Tania Soloski; and very dear step-children Brian Laundree (Caren) and Christine Devins (Jeremy); his grandchildren Nathan Devins, Connor Devins, Benjamin Welch, Samantha Welch, Tristan Laundree and Brielle Laundree. Bill also leaves a brother, Paul Salerno, Jr., several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 4 to 6 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. Burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Keeseville, will be private. His family wishes to extend their most heartfelt appreciation and thanks to nurse Nancy Tedford for her care and concern for both Bill and Diana during their respective Illnesses. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bill Soloski to the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center, UVM Health Network. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.