Otilio Soler, 76, of Belleville

The following is courtesy the Cozzarelli Memorial home. 

Otilio Soler, 76, passed away at the Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, NJ, on Thursday, October 24, 2013.

Born in Maricao, Puerto Rico, Otilio resided in Belleville for the last 18 years.

He was employed by Hardware Die Casting, Nutley, NJ, as a welder, for 20 years, retiring in 2000.

Otilio was a talented musician, capable of playing various instruments and singing. He enjoyed telling a good joke, as much as tending to his garden, and when it came to the kitchen. . . he was a very creative cook. He would often reflect with favor, reminiscing about the old days in Puerto Rico. Additionally, he possessed a strong penchant for applied mechanics and engineering. A collector of unique and interesting flashlights his extensive and diverse collection captured the imagination of the viewer.

Otilio was the beloved husband and friend of the late Delia Rullan; the devoted and adored father of Nilsa I. Soler, Marisol Arroyo, Nora N. Paredes, Madeline Soler-Correa and Yahira Liz Camacho; loving brother of Anna L. Soler and Bacilio Soler; he was the loving heart of 8 cherished grandchildren and 5 precious great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning, Oct. 29 at 11, in the funeral home. Those who wish to attend the funeral may gather one hour prior to the commencement of the service. Entombment will be in the Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington, NJ.

Guests will be received at the Irvine-Cozzarelli Memorial Home on 276 Washington Avenue, Belleville, on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 o'clock.

For additional information, visit www.irvinecozzarelli.com, or contact 973.759.1114.