Victor Manuel Solarez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Victor Manuel Solarez, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief illness on December 16th, 2025, at the age of 68. Born in Tempe, Arizona Victor was a man defined by his reliability, hard work, and dedication to family. Victor grew up in Guadalupe, Arizona with his parents Jose and Maria Solarez and siblings, Rita, Joe, Rey, Max, Frances, Albert, cousins Harry and Gloria, niece Frances, and nephew Albert. He attended Marcos De Niza High School and worked at the Solarez family-owned gas station and garage. Years later he would meet Mary Carmen Flores. He and Mary wed and settled in Chandler, Arizona, and had four children: Victor Jr, Mario, Eliza and Sandra. He later found joy and new purpose with the birth of his grandchildren; Dominic, Ella, Ariano, Mercy, Leah, Phoenix, Daisy and Paloma. Victor also had a huge and caring heart for his nieces and nephews, his love was not always shown by words but by action and attentiveness.

Victor enjoyed being outdoors. He loved camping, sleeping under the stars and taking his beloved Chevy truck to blaze a new trail. He made huge campfires and liked cracking a cold one to the sound of the pine trees whistling in the breeze. He enjoyed a good game of poker or Dominoes on a long night. He enjoyed cooking for his family and guests who would pop up, some of his specialties were his posole, albondigas, green chile chicken enchiladas and tamales. He spent his quiet evenings surrounded by his loving dogs sitting in his yard enjoying a good sunset. There is so much to say about our father, but the list would go on forever. He loved quietly, laughed with his entire body, and enjoyed the small things in life with the biggest heart. 

Our father was a simple man who lived a simple life and enjoyed the small things. He showed his love by always being present and dependable. He always had an ear to listen and tough words when needed. He was a straight shooter with honest advice that came from a good place. He taught us many lessons in life that we will carry forever and will be passed down to the next generation. He loved and cherished his children whom he instilled structure, respect for nature, and challenged them to learn from their mistakes. He had a sharp tongue and gentle hand. We can look back on all the wonderful memories, to laugh and to cry, but that is what will keep him alive in our hearts and minds forever.

Survived by the mother of his children Mary, children Victor Jr., Mario, Eliza, Sandra, grandchildren Dominic, Ella, Ariano, Mercy, Leah, Phoenix, Daisy, Paloma, his brothers Rey, Albert, sister Frances, niece Frances, cousins Harry, Gloria and his many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his sister, Rita Peralta (1972), parents, Jose V Solarez (1986) and Maria Gomez (1988), granddaughter Reinna Solarez (2004), brothers, Joe Solarez (2012) and Max Solarez (2016), and nephew Albert Peralta (2019).

Viewing will be held at home January 17th, 2026, at 10am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1432 W 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281.