James Solak, 66, Served in the US Army

He was born November 4, 1938 in Lorain where he was raised and graduated from Clearview High School with the class of 1956. He has been a resident of Amherst for the last thirty-four years.

He served in the US Army as a helicopter transportation tech. He attended Kent State University. James was employed by the Lorain Ford Motor Assembly Plant for thirty years retiring in 1991 as a supervisor. He served the City of Amherst as a councilman for three years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst and enjoyed sports and golfing.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-five years Elizabeth "Lizz" Shirley Solak (nee: Szabo); his sons Lance Solak of Hinckley, Lane Solak of Woodbridge, Virginia, Joel Solak of Lakewood, and Jeffrey Solak of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughters Rachel Solak of Amherst and Tracey Solak of New York, New York; his mother Veronica Solak (nee: Caco) of Lorain; two grandchildren; his brothers Thomas Solak of Elyria, Daniel Solak of Vermilion, and Lawrence Solak of Oberlin; and his sister Kathleen Noventy of Elyria.

He was preceded in death by his father Theodore Solak; and by his brother Theodore Solak.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Fr. Lawrence Martello, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church; 200 St. Joseph Dr. Amherst 44001 or New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph; 5255 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, 44035.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.