Paul L. Solak

Paul Louis Solak, age 72 of Naperville IL, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 19, 2025, at home.
Survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 31 years, Laurette (Symik) Solak; his two children Allison (David) Phillips and Lucas Solak; cherished grandpa of Chloe, Tatum and Baby Phillips (summer 2025), fond brother of Tom (Betty) Solak, brother-in-law Ronald Marich, uncle to Mark Marich, Rebecca Martinez, Erik Ehrman, Rachel Ehrman, Tommy Kohl and Lauren Kohl, great uncle to Madison Robinson and Zoey Martinez and finally his beloved loyal furry companion-Penny.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Louis, and Mary Solak, his sister Sylvia Marich, brother Allen Orzechowski and Laurette's Parents Luke and Alice Symik.
Paul lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service. He had a successful career of service as a Respiratory Therapist for 41 years working in the hospital, home care, DME company, nursing home and as a Joint Commission Surveyor. His elevator speech went something like this "visited 49 states and Puerto Rico, 120 Cities, 83 rental cars and 400,000 air miles".
As a devoted dad, he coached T-ball, baseball and "from the stands" coached basketball. He enjoyed learning Karate alongside Allison when she was five. He was learning the skills and helped the Black Belts in class to instruct the kids. They earned their black belts and then he continued until his son earned his Black Belt in Karate. He also was a Fix-It man and as he was maintaining the house and cars made sure the kids watched, and he taught them what he knew just like his father taught him.
Paul was a scout through and through. He started as a Cub Scout and progressed to Second class Scout. When Lucas was ready to join Boy Scouts, he became an Assistant Scout Master to assist on camping trips, taught Merit Badges and one trip to Philmont Scout Reservation. He created many memories for the scouts that he assisted. Once the boys "aged out", he went to the next level of scouting and took a volunteer position to Train the leaders at the BSA-Three Fires Council (later known as Scouting America).
Visitation will be held on Friday May 30th 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at St Margaret Mary Church, 1450 Green Trails Naperville IL 60540. A memorial mass will be officiated by Fr Max Behna, and will take place immediately after the visitation, followed by a private interment.
To recognize Paul's Scouting experience, the family would appreciate memorial gifts in Paul's name to support Scouting America Three Fires Council which he held near and dear to his heart. www.ThreeFiresCouncil.org/Memorials
Paul was loved by so many and cherished by his family and friends. In his honor, the love he shared should continue to live on for those of us lucky enough to know him.
'Grief is the price we pay for love"-Queen Elizabeth II