Jesus "Chito" Solis, Jr.

JESUS J. “CHITO” SOLIS, JR.

January 06, 1929 – May 15, 2020

Jesus J. “Chito” Solis, Jr., 91, joined our Lord in his heavenly kingdom on May 15, 2020 peacefully surrounded by his devoted family, who cared for and loved him immensely.  And while he knew he was leaving many loved ones behind; he was joyful that he would be reunited with his parents.

He was born on January 6, 1929 in Laredo, Texas to Jesus J. and Sara G. Solis.  On December 29, 1957 he married the love of his life, Maria Del Carmen Arizmendi and were blessed with three children.  Jesus graduated from Martin High School in 1947.  He later received an associate’s degree in business administration in 1955 at Laredo Junior College.

He received an honorable discharge as a sergeant in the United States Army where he was decorated and awarded a national defense service medal during the Korean War.  He proudly served his country from December 15, 1950-September 30, 1952.

Jesus began working at the age of 18 as a butcher for three years at Jitney Jungle.  As a business graduate, he pursued a career in the transit department at the Laredo National Bank.  After 25 years, he became a paymaster at the Webb County Treasure Department where he successfully completed 25 years and retired at the age of 72.

He was an active member of the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Woodmen of the World (WOW). He was a devoted catholic, an active parishioner and served as an usher at San Agustin Cathedral for over 55 years.

In his spare time, Jesus enjoyed listening to Mariachi music such as, Trio Los Panchos, and Vicente Fernandez. “ I did it my way,” by Frank Sinatra was an inspirational song that the family would sing along to with him when gathered together.  He also passed his time watching television, including his favorite, The Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday evenings.  A perfect weekend for him included a carne asada with some ice cold Budweisers and having his family by his side.  For the most part, he treasured spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he cherished dearly.

In his later years, Jesus would pray the Holy Rosary on a daily basis with sincere devotion to the Virgin Mary along with his wife.

To many he was better known as “Chito Solis”, the life of the party with a twist of a humorist personality.  Chito was well respected and was always dressed as a sharp as Johnny Carson.  His mottos that he lived by and remain his are “Rain or shine, the show must go on” and “Yo sigo siendo El Rey”.

Deep gratitude is extended to Dr. Winder Vasquez, Shahi Center, Excellent Nursing Home Health Services, Doctors Hospital, and Olaya Hernandez Range.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Sara G. Solis; sisters, Maria Del Carmen (Juan) San Miguel and Isabel (Juan) Salinas.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 62 years of marriage, Maria Del Carmen Solis; daughter, Sara G. (Juan Jose Jr.) Vicharelli and their children, Vanessa M. (Rudy) Guerra, Samantha L. Vicharelli, and Julissa A. Vicharelli; daughter, Elvia M. (Teodoro Jr.) Melchor and their children, Theodore Melchor, III and Kassandra J. Melchor; and son, Jesus (Amabely) Solis, III and their children, Jesse Solis, IV, and Jennifer Solis.  He is also survived by his brother Roberto (Oralia) Solis; along with other loving relatives and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday evening, May 21, 2020 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday morning, May 22, 2020 departing at 9:40 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to Christ the King Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions as set forth by the Diocese of Laredo, a maximum of 9 people will be allowed as per decree.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Military Honors will be presented by the Local Post 59 Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be: Jesus Solis, III, Jesse Solis, IV, Teodoro Melchor, Jr., Theodore Melchor, III, Juan Jose Vicharelli, Jr., Richardo Lozano, Juan Antonio Salinas, Rodolfo Guerra, and Manuel M. Villarreal IV.

Honorary Pallbearer will be: Roberto Solis.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.