Charles Anthony Solecki

Charles Anthony Solecki, 34, of Chubbuck, Idaho, left this world unexpectedly on December 20, 2011 as a result of a tragic vehicle accident near the Idaho National Lab in Scoville, ID.

Charles Anthony was the youngest child born of Joseph and Ellen (Garvie) Solecki on June 3, 1977 in New London, CT. He grew up an adventurous little boy that enjoyed nothing more than spending sun up to sun down fishing, clamming, crabbing and leading wild adventures on the Niantic River that bordered his home. He attended Waterford public schools and graduated from Waterford High School in 1995.

Charles studied business briefly at Nichols College before leaving to join the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served five years in the HMLA-169 “Vipers” as an Avionics Technician. Charles' notable duty stations included Camp Lejune, NC; Pensacola, FL; Osan, Korea; Okinawa, Japan and Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving in Camp Pendleton he met the love of his life, Jennifer McNabb, in February of 2000. A whirlwind romance ensued and they were married shortly after.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Charles was an Avionics Technician for L-3 Communications for several years. L-3 led Jennifer and Charles to Lexington, KY. Later, Charles devotedly supported his wife's dream to return home to her family in Pocatello, ID. The couple relocated and Charles attended Idaho State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics. Post graduation he accepted a position at Bechtel Marine Propulsion at the Naval Reactor Facility at the INL. He was an Shift Refueling Engineer where he worked for 4.5 years until his death.

Charles and Jennifer were blessed with two beautiful children. Kylee Lenae Solecki, born March 30, 2005 and Kaden Anthony Solecki, born July 29, 2009. Charles was an amazing, loving, and devoted father that committed his life to his kids. They were his pride, his heart, his everything.

Charles had a passion for many things throughout his life. Football was one of those things. He played each game with a style that exuded toughness and determination, which inspired his teammates and earned him the title of Captain his senior year at Waterford High School. The highlight was rushing for 255 yards and scoring five touchdowns and a two-point conversion, accounting for all of the 32 points in a win against Montville.

Charles loved the outdoors both in his home state of Connecticut and in Idaho. He loved everything that growing up on the waterfront in Connecticut had to offer, and was anxious to learn all there was to know about being an avid Idaho Outdoorsman. He loved to take his family camping and spend time enjoying the beautiful Idaho wilderness. He loved working out, riding his bike, and recently had found a love for running. He completed his first half marathon in November.

Charles has left an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife Jennifer McNabb Solecki, their children Kylee Lenae (6) and Kaden Anthony (2) Solecki.

His parents Joseph and Ellen Solecki of Waterford, CT. His siblings Kimberly Solecki of West Hartford CT. Elizabeth Solecki also West Hartford, CT. His brother Joseph and his wife Kelsey Solecki. His sister Dora Walker and husband Andrew Walker of Waterford, CT. Charles is also survived by 4 nephews and 6 nieces and numerous aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Solecki of New London, CT and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Garvie of Norwich, CT.

Funeral services for Charles will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho. A gathering for friends and family will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

A Memorial Mass for Charles will be held in Waterford, Connecticut on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul in Chains Church in Waterford.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho, 208-238-8000. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.

Service information will be posted under the "Service Schedule" tab above.