Obituary of John Thomas Solan

John Thomas Solan, aged 88, peacefully passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Wednesday, 3/22/2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Bridget (Walsh) Solan.  He felt blessed to have five children: Cathy (Brendan) Monaghan, Kevin (Lisa) Solan, Eddie (Amy) Solan, Bridget (Joe) Sammon, and Ellen Solan.  He adored his five grandchildren, Matthew, Mark, Molly, Emily, and Allison.  He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Kathy) Solan, cousin, Patrick Solan, sisters-in-law Mai (Tom) Spence, Eileen (Martin) Dineen, Mary Walsh, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was born in Dublin, Ireland, and as a teenager, emigrated to the United States in 1952.  He lived a few years in New York City before making his way to Syracuse.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and dutifully served until 1957.  He returned to Syracuse after the military and met the love of his life, Bridget, at a dance at the Hibernian Hall.  They married in 1960 and built a wonderful life together on the south side of Syracuse where they raised their children.  He was a plasterer and a member of The Brotherhood of Painters & Allied Trades and Bricklayers unions for many years where he made life-long friendships.  He had a keen eye for detail and was always working on a home improvement project.

Back in the day, John played the bass drum for the Balmoral Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band, was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and played Gaelic football with the team from Syracuse.  John loved golf, SU sports, and he and Bridget enjoyed many years in a bowling league.  They often traveled, frequently visiting family in Ireland.  They loved Irish music, regularly vacationing in East Durham in the Catskills, and passed their love for music onto their children.

John was pre-deceased by his parents, Ellen and Michael Solan, and his siblings, James Solan, Ellen Fahy, and Alice O’Malley.  Family and friends may call from 4-7 pm on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13219.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 28,2023 at 10am at The Church of St. Michael and St. Peter, 4782 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY, 13215.  Burial will follow in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY, 13215. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s memory to the CNY SPCA via https://cnyspca.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-.html

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