Richard Solomon

It’s so hard to find a place to start when speaking of the life of a man like Richie. He was a man of many laughs, lessons and love.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to parents Max and Clara. Richie was born third in line of four sons. Richie, along with brothers Sal, Bob and Billy were lucky enough to be the first house on their block with a television. That family TV began his love for sports, history shows, comedies, cooking shows, and funny animals videos. He loved his TV, and those who knew him understand that he would run out and buy a new one before foregoing even an hour of TV!

As a young man Richie spent time in the air force as an airplane mechanic. During this time he was stationed in Hawaii and fell in love with the scenery and lifestyle. One day dreaming of living in a hut on a beautiful Hawaiian beach. I’d like to picture him there now, in a chair finally enjoying the tropical waves. All of which would have never have happened if it weren’t for a young man who decided to join the service after getting in trouble from his father for leaving an anxiety filled pup home to tear up the window blinds. So many experiences would’ve been missed if he had stayed home and the blinds had stayed intact that day.

As life continued, he would meet the love of his life, Sharon, and they would go on to have 3 beautiful children, Candy, Amber and Christian. Richard was a strong role model, provider and a true patriarch of the family until his last day on this earth. As the years went on he would teach his daughter the recipes and cooking styles that he had learned from his grandmother, starting before she was even tall enough to reach the counter to see. Propping her up on the workspace next to him ,ensuring those traditions continue.

When you first meet Richie you may be intimidated by his tough guy looks, but after a short time you'll see how silly and tender hearted he is. He loved to bust chops, make you laugh and really loved his family, friends and animals! He spent many years raising all kinds of birds and parrots, had many fish tanks and took in every stray animal that was lucky enough to stumble in his yard.

As grandchildren came, first Gabby, then Leilah and then Pierce, Richie continued to teach the younger generation his life lessons, sarcasm, and above all, love and loyalty of family. Not only by his always funny, quick witted responses and playful nature but in the ways he cared for and loved his family. He always brought his grandchildren either to school, or from, using those small moments to play with them, lovingly tease and teach them. On one of those drives Richie stopped at the grocery store, asked his granddaughter Leilah to run in for some lettuce. She came walking out, bag in hand. Proud for completing the task, with.. a head of cabbage! You know poppy couldn’t let her live that one down. He immediately saw a way to make a joke of the situation and of course told everyone that would listen about the adorable mishap. Now forever known as the “lettuce situation".