John D. Soldra Sr., age 81, entered eternal rest on March 13, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Luba Marciniak Soldra.
Born in Derby on May 26, 1943, he was the son of the late Walter and Sophie Opuszynski Soldra. John was a lifelong resident of Ansonia and a 1961 graduate of Ansonia High School. He was employed as a sanitation truck driver for the former BFI in Seymour, until his retirement.
A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. In his earlier years, John was an astounding athlete and enjoyed playing softball. He also coached youth sports in Ansonia including biddy basketball. John’s greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren play sports. He was their biggest fan and supporter. Anyone in John’s life knew how incredibly proud and meticulous he was about his beautiful home and yard. He spent countless hours outdoors maintaining his yard and keeping it clean.
John was a devout communicant of Assumption Church in Ansonia. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, UCONN, the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics, and the New York Giants. John will be sadly missed but his memory will remain in the hearts of those who loved him.
John leaves to cherish his memory, sons, John D. Soldra Jr. (Emanuela) of Ansonia, Keith R. Soldra (Gina) of Orange and Graig S. Soldra (Kelly) of Ansonia, daughters, Sharon M. Soldra of Ansonia and Lisa A. Soldra (Tyrell Knighton) of Seymour, sister, Marie Batza (Richard) of Oxford, grandchildren, Tabitha Soldra, Sophia Soldra, Andrew “AJ” Soldra, Ari-anna Soldra and Makenzie Soldra, in-laws, Stephen Marciniak (Betty) of Seymour, John Marciniak (Donna) of SC, Paul Marciniak (Carol) of Oxford and Nancy Threlfall (Glen) of Morris, CT along with several nieces and nephews and his grand-puppy LuLu.
He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Soldra and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stefan and Marija Marciniak.Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Friday morning, all are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial by meeting directly at the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia at 10:00 am.
Burial with full United States Army military honors will immediately follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org to help America’s heroes. To sign John’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
