William M. Solder

William "Bill, Billy" M. Solder, 61, of Norwalk, CT, beloved husband of Donna (Henry) Solder passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on February 28th surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Born on the 4th of July (he lived up to his birthday) and raised in Norwalk; Bill graduated from Norwalk High School and then proudly served in the U.S Navy from 1982 through 1986 when he was honorably discharged. He then worked for himself as a general contractor up until his passing. In addition, for the past 10 years, Bill served as the Oyster Festival Field Manager for the Norwalk Seaport Association - a job he loved so much.

Bill had a heart for The Exchange Club of which he was a member for 24 years, serving in various capacities on the local, district and National levels. Bill was also on the Board of Directors of the Exchange Club Center for the prevention of child abuse of southern Connecticut since 2016, most recently as board secretary.

Bill was a verb. He was big hearted, always generous, and often inappropriate. Hosting parties big and small at 'Sellecknation' was his happy place. A rule was something to be broken, a line was something to be crossed, and a button was something to be (lovingly) pushed. He was a Renaissance man - he could bake you a pie as easily as build you a house. He was everybody's go to. He was an unparalleled problem solver and could fix most anything. And though Bill had no children of his own, he was a father figure, mentor, and a bonus uncle to so so many. Most importantly, though, he had a unwavering yet quiet faith in God.

He was simply a legend. Also known as B, Boo, Uncle Billy, Uncle Boo, Crazy Bill, Wild Bill, Silly Billy, Captain Bill, and My boy! among others.

He is survived by the love of his life, Donna, who does not know how she will live without him. His parents Jack and Marsha Solder, formerly of Norwalk. Siblings Marcy (Brian), John (Hilary), Anne (Bob), and Jane (Edward). His Mother-in-law Kathleen Henry and Sister-in-law Karen (Henry) Dauk. Aunts, Uncles, lifelong friends, and many nieces, nephews, and the many bonus nieces and nephews fortunate enough to call him family. Although they are not listed by name, he loved them so very much.

Bill was predeceased by his father-in-law John K. Henry, and his Aunt Michelle Marckini and her husband, Jay.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 6th from 4-8 and Collins Funeral Home 92 East Avenue in Norwalk. Services are on Saturday, March 7th at Macedonia Church 39 West Avenue in Norwalk at 11am (the parking lot is small, there is additional parking at the SONO mall right next door). Because Bill was Bill, his desire was to be buried at sea - which will happen at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Help for Kids parenting center https://helpforkidsct.org/ or the St. Baldricks foundation.Ways To Give | St. Baldrick's Foundation