Richard W. Solt

Richard “Rich” Solt, of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 29, 2025, at Reading Hospital. He was 58.

Born on June 19, 1967, in Reading, Rich was a cornerstone of Jack’s Pub—a neighborhood corner bar with a hundred years of stories soaked into the walls, and Rich knew most of them. For over 30 years, he was the morning bartender, serving the third-shift crowd with a strong pour, a sharper tongue, and a knack for making strangers feel like regulars.

After his shift, Rich would often claim a barstool of his own, settling in for a drink or two (or three), spinning jokes, dodging phone calls from home like a pro, and making every customer feel like an old friend. He had an endless supply of bad jokes—timed too well to ignore—and a presence that made even the quietest mornings feel alive.

Rich is survived by his children, Lacey Jones (Seidel), wife of Robert Jones, Jesse L. Solt, and Kelsey M. Renninger (Solt), wife of Jesse Renninger; and by his granddaughter Willow, who brought him more joy than she’ll ever know. He shared over three decades of life and love with his partner, Michelle Wolfe (Moyer), the mother of his son Jesse.

He is also survived by his siblings: Jeffrey M. Solt (wife Gail) of Dover, PA; Debbie L. Solt and her longtime companion Tom Skipper of Reading, PA; Tammy L. Solt of York, PA; and Michael N. Solt (wife Kristen) of Pottstown, PA. Rich leaves behind eleven nieces and nephews, five great-nieces and great-nephews, and a long list of bar patrons, friends, and unofficial family members who were lucky enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Joseph Solt Sr. of Snowshoe, PA, and Dawn E. L. LaPearl of Reading, PA; and his siblings Marvin J. Solt Jr. (wife Helen Jo), Marie Conrad (Solt), and Patricia Miller (Solt).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jack’s Pub on Saturday, December 13th at 2:00 PM, and will go on until… well, whenever it’s over. In true Rich fashion. Come and raise a glass. Tell a joke. And leave your phone on silent—Rich definitely would have. 

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