Richard John'Schultz' Soltys, 89

BETTERTON, Md. - Richard John "Schultz" Soltys of Betterton died on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, at his home. He was 89.

He was born in Chicago, on Jan. 11, 1918, the son of the late John and Wladyslawa "Laura" Jezierska Soltys.

Upon finishing high school Mr. Soltys studied for two years as an illustrator in Commercial Arts before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard.

He served at Midway in Pearl Harbor during World War II on a buoy tender and was honorably discharged in June 1946.

Mr. Soltys returned to Philadelphia and on Feb. 18, 1952, he married Ruth Brice of Betterton, where they made their home.

Mr. Soltys worked as a commercial artist at Aberdeen Proving Ground until 1976.

He later worked with Leon Petticoat Floor Covering in Betterton.

Mr. Soltys enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, photography and his family.

He was a life member of the C. Henry Price American Legion Post 246 in Betterton and the Millington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 652, along with the 40 and 8.

His was preceded in death by his wife in 1986; and one granddaughter, Laura Coleman.

Mr. Soltys is survived by three children, Dan Parent of Betterton, Cindy Blackson of Chestertown, and Mary Wilkinson of Rock Hall; six grandchildren, Daniel Parent Jr. of Chestertown, Pamela Parks of Galena, Tom Blackson of Scottsdale, Ariz., Audra Fister of Elkridge, Karen Stevens of Chestertown, and Andrew Wilkinson of Rock Hall; nine great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Joy Ambrose and Delores Jakeman, both of Philadelphia.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, where relatives and friends may call one hour prior.

Interment will be in Still Pond Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the Betterton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 131 Betterton, MD 21601; or Chester River Home Care and Hospice, 6602 Church Hill Road, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown.