Jose Arturo Solares, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Avanti Wellness and Rehabilitation in Niles, IL. Jose was born on April 20, 1950 in Guatemala City, Guatemala to Buenaventura Solares and Cruz Maria Gonzalez. He leaves behind his son Dennis A. Solares and daughter Maureen J. Solares. Jose went to be with his Lord and Savior, after a struggle with liver and kidney disease. Jose was surrounded by his family and friends. Jose was raised with a beautiful family, two brothers and three sisters. The family loved to take vacations from an early age, which ignited a passion for traveling in him. In Guatemala, they enjoyed visiting parks and the ocean. Jose loved Guatemala but felt like there was a big world that he wanted to explore. At the age of 16, Jose informed his father that he wanted to leave Guatemala in order to travel the world. He landed in Argentina when he was 16 and lived there for 3 years. At age 19, he decided that the United States was his next stop. Around that time, Jose's father moved up the corporate ladder at Pan Am Airlines and Jose's ticket to the world began. France, Germany, England, Belgium. Jose flew the world as often as possible for free via the airline. As evidenced in many photographs, he loved to pose in suits in front of famous landmarks. He landed in the US and visited major cities like Washington DC, NYC, Chicago. He decided he would settle in New York City, where he met Maria, whom he married and later had Dennis and Maureen. His travels continued with family, often driving to Canada and beaches and parks in the U.S. As a young man, Jose also had a passion for bodybuilding. As the sport rose in popularity, he became fascinated and as a young man, he had a sculpted and incredible physique. He continued to read and study the sport through his 50's. He also was a huge fan of soccer. When he lived in Argentina, he regularly competed in local competitions. His favorite players of all time were Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. During every world cup, Jose was in close contact with his son watching and dissecting every game and play. Later in his life, Jose made the move to his favorite US city - Chicago. He loved Lake Michigan and visited daily during the summer. He enjoyed the city's people and if you asked him what his favorite city was, without hesitation he was quick to say Chicago. Jose was a gentle soul who was loved by his friends and family. He always kept a positive mindset and cheered people up to make them feel good. He loved to travel, family, cars, bodybuilding, and futbol. He was a great father who loved his children, and the perfect son and brother, always faithful and loyal to his friends. Simply an amazing human being. Family, friends, and others whose lives Jose touched are invited to the THEIS-GORSKI FUNERAL HOME, 3517 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL (773-463-5800) from 3:00pm - 9:00pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2018 for viewing and celebration of his life.