Final Salute

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Frederic Paul Solzak, 79, of Holyoke Massachusetts on September 29, 2026. “Rick”, as he was known by many, or “Pokey” by his grandchildren, will be most remembered as a quiet wealth of knowledge and strength. He could fix or build from scratch most things, and was an adoring husband, dedicated father and proud grandfather. He was always a busy man, but went at his own pace. He loved his wife and their long rides together, their planned projects for home and yard, and family dinners with the grandkids. He loved his grandchildren and the time he spent with them was precious, whether it was camping, soccer games, or organizing Easter egg hunts. He was always the chosen person of any family pet, although he was never the one to bring the pet home.

Rick was born to devoted parents, Ferdinand and Lillian (Griffin) Solzak. He grew up in South Hadley, graduating from South Hadley High School in 1965. He enlisted in the Navy in January of 1966. He was a member of the United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74. While in service, he served two tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. He served honorably until February of 1969. Although he rarely talked in detail about Vietnam, Rick was very proud of the accomplishments and the travels he experienced during these years of service. Rick could figure out just about anything and was fondly remembered by coworkers as someone who “can do”. Earlier careers were surveying for Tighe and Bond, finishing concrete at his good friend’s business, Chicopee Concrete, and installation and repair at Reidy Oil Company. For over 20 years, he worked as a millwright for Anitec Printing Plates, Inc., until they left Holyoke. He finished his Millwright career at October Company in Easthampton, retiring in 2019.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Nancy (Miller) Solzak of 54 years; his children, Syndi (Eric) Solzak of Holyoke, and Lynan Marie Cerruti of Easthampton; two grandchildren, Grady and Avery Cerruti; a sister, Patricia (Solzak) Murphy as well as nieces and nephews, Erin Murphy, Brian Murphy and Kellie (Murphy) Lempke. Rick kept his circle small, but cared deeply for his close friends and family. His dry sense of humor and home renovation advice will be missed by all. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 3 pm at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery restricts floral arrangement donations. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center or Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederic, please visit our floral store.