Ronald "Chipper" Solarczyk

Ronald "Chipper" Solarczyk was born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 6, 1936.  He was the son of Ignatius and Loretta (Kuzniak) Solarczyk and the youngest of four brothers.  He graduated from St. Adalbert High School where he starred playing basketball.  Chipper was a gifted athlete who remained active most of his life.  He enjoyed softball, golf, ping pong, playing cards, horseshoes, and bowling.  After briefly attending the University of Pittsburgh, Chipper built a successful and rewarding career with Calgon where he was well-liked and respected by his coworkers.  His job provided him the opportunity to travel throughout the country and he relished telling stories about the places he visited.  Chipper enjoyed his work but he welcomed retirement and the opportunity to pursue other interests including frequent trips to the casino and being an usher during mass at Prince of Peace Parish.  Throughout most of his life, he was an active member of the Polish Falcons of America Nest 8 and was once honored as Falcon on the Year.  He was pleasantly surprised when then Pittsburgh Mayor, Pete Flaherty, attended the ceremony to offer his congratulations.  Chipper had a strong sense of family and was always available to help a relative in need.  Over the years, he provided assistance, mentoring and emotional support to numerous family members, always in a humble, low key manner to avoid drawing attention to himself.  Chipper was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers: Ignatius (Swoose), Richard and Conrad.  He is survived by sister-in-law Carol Solarczyk, a number of nieces and nephews, and many dear friends including best buddy Leon Kosakowski.  Friends received at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Ltd., 119 South 15th Street, South Side on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 2-7 pm.  Funeral prayer on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 9 am.  Mass of Christian Burial in St. Adalbert Church, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10 am.  The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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