William “Big Bill” Martin Soltes Jr., 86, husband of Rose Anne Caroline (Marczak) Soltes, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at his home in Pottstown.
Born in Stowe, he was the son of the late William Martin Soltes Sr. and Mary (Przyczyna) Soltes.
Bill had a successful career in HVAC. He worked for a Butcher shop after graduating high school before working at Firestone, EJ Sweeney & Sons, and then retired from Oehlert Bros. He was a lifetime member of the Elk’s Club in Pottstown, even owning the #1 membership number. Bill also belonged to the Lower Pottsgrove Sportsman’s Club, the German Club, and the Quoit Club. He enjoyed collecting all sorts of things, mostly free napkins, straws, etc. In his younger years, Bill enjoyed target shooting, woodworking, and watching and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events. Bill was a devout member of St. Peter’s Parish before becoming a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta. He was also heavily involved in the St Peter’s Boy Scout Troop 569 as an assistant scout master.
Surviving along with his wife, Rose Anne of 67 years, is his son Dean M. Soltes; daughter Doreen Cotellese, wife of Joseph; grandchildren Vincent Cotellese, husband of Chrissy; David Cotellese; and Maria Cotellese; great grandchildren Cooper and Cole Cotellese.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 28, 20226 at 11:00AM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church (256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473) with Monsignor Vance officiating. Burial will be held privately by the family at a later date. A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Catagnus Funeral Home (711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown, PA 19464). A viewing will also be held on Monday, September 28, 2026 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) in Bill’s name.