Gilbert Solarz, age 91, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois since 1956, passed away May 17, 2022.

Gil was born and raised in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago's north side. He attended St. Hyacinth Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Lane Tech Technical High School. After high school, Gil entered the US Air Force, where he served four years as a mechanic maintaining B-29 bombers, and was ultimately promoted to Crew Chief. Following his discharge, Gil began his career as a tool and die maker in the plastics industry. In the early 1960's, he joined the Fastex Division of Illinois Tool Works, where he would work himself up to head of plastics engineering. He retired in 1992.

Gil was a modern-day renaissance man and lifelong learner. During his life, he was awarded multiple patents. He could fix literally anything, and was called often to help his family, friends and neighbors. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball in Des Plaines, winning back-to-back city Pony League championships in 1969 and '70. In his early forties, he took up tennis, which he played regularly until his mid-eighties. He was a long-time member and past president of the Des Plaines Optimist Club. After retirement, he earned a Master Gardener certificate and volunteered at the University of Illinois Horticulture Extension for over 25 years. Gil was also an accomplished watercolor artist and woodworker, a committed blood donor, and for nearly 60 years, a member of St. Emily's Parish. Finally, he was an avid White Sox fan!

Gil is survived by his wife, Mary (Wesolowski), the love of his life for 68 years, son Steve (Janet) Solarz, and daughter Laura (Scott) Schalla. He was the proud grandfather of Adam Solarz (Cecelia Worthington), and Steven and David Schalla. Gil was preceded in death by his sister Nancy and parents Albert and Anna (nee Kobus) Solarz.

A memorial visitation will be held Monday, May 23, 2022 from 9:30 am until the time of mass at 10:30 am at St. Emily Church, 1400 E. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert's name can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now . Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com .