Joseph Robert Soltesiz Sr., 75 BOARDMAN - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Philip Rogers at 11 a.m., Monday, at St. Charles Church for Joseph Robert Soltesiz Sr., 75, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family at 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12. Joseph was born in Youngstown on Sept. 18, 1939, the son of Joseph and Norma (Borieo) Soltesiz. He was one of two children. Joseph went on to marry his beautiful wife of 58 years, Nanette Marie Thompson. They had four children, Kismet Soltesiz, Joseph Soltesiz Jr., Denise Huffman, and Desiree Soltesiz-Martin. After their children were grown, they, Joseph and Nanette, loved to travel together and visit family and friends all over the world. Joseph has a passion for collecting trains, golfing and driving fast cars. Any chance he could, he loved to spend his afternoons golfing with his children, grandchildren and close friends. Being on the golf course brought him great peace. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching baseball and football games of his grandchildren, playing poop, golf, watching old cowboy movies and taking care of his pets. Any chance he could, Joseph enjoyed visiting his second home in Longboat Key, Fla. He loves being in the warmer weather. While in Florida, he enjoyed golfing and visiting Disney World. He loves being able to spend time with his family in a place that he loves. Joseph was also a successful entrepreneur and business man. Over the years, he had successfully started many companies and designed many products. He loves the art of business and he enjoyed most of the opportunities to meet new people and visit new places. Most importantly, Joseph was a man with the most generous heart. He was a rare kind of man in the chaotic, busy world today. He was the kind of man that loves unconditionally. Although he took pleasure in fancy things, he knew how to love people best. He knew what it took to fully extend love and grace to those he loved. He knew best how to love and he did it very well. Joseph leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Nanette Marie Soltesiz, and his sister, Norma Jean Helsel. He leaves behind all four of his children, Kismet Soltesiz of Columbiana, Joseph Soltesiz Jr. of Boardman, Denise Huffman (Scott Helms) of Columbiana and Desiree Soltesiz-Martin (Denver) of Columbiana. Joseph also leaves behind his 10 grandchildren, Carrie Soltesiz-Graeger (Luke) of Seattle, Joseph Soltesiz III of Boardman, Ryan Jenkins of Boardman, Marcus Huffman of Columbiana, Travis Soltesiz of Boardman, Chad Huffman of Columbiana, Dennis Jenkins of Columbiana, Casey Helms of Columbiana, Chelsea Helms of Columbiana, and Denver Martin (DJ) of Columbiana. Joseph also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Samuel Draeger and Isaac Draeger of Seattle. Joseph was a man that lived a full life. "Though our hearts are full of sadness and grief, we know that he is in a better place, a place of peace and no longer suffering." Joseph will truly be missed by a host of sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Norma Soltesiz; his grandson, Preston James Soltesiz; and his son-in-law, Steven Huffman. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, at the Fox Funeral Home, Boardman, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Monday, at St. Charles Church. Material tributes can be made in Joseph's memory to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514 or to Animal Charity, 4140 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.