Robert “Bob” H. Solomon, DDS 74, Atlanta
Robert “Bob” H. Solomon, DDS
74, Atlanta
After a four-year struggle with a rare form of Lymphoma, Robert “Bob” Solomon died on May 13 at home with his wife Fran and children by his side, at the age of 74. Bob was born in Oneida, New York on April 17, 1940 to Milton and Ethel Solomon. When he was a teen his family moved to Utica, N.Y. With an aptitude for math and science, Bob attended Albany College of Pharmacy and became a pharmacist. He worked for one year at Daw’s Pharmacy before changing careers from pharmacy to dentistry. In 1965, Bob met the love of his life, Frances Stone. They married the following year and celebrated 48 years together. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children, Mark Solomon (Jennifer) and Andrea Solomon Hirsch (Joe), and his granddaughters, Eden Leah Hirsch and Sabra Lily Hirsch. After graduating from Buffalo SUNY dental school, Bob enrolled in the Navy as a Captain and was stationed at Paris Island, SC where Bob practiced dentistry on the newly drafted Marines heading off to Vietnam. Upon completion of his active duty, Bob continued his military service in the Army Reserves and, after 35 years, retired at the rank of Colonel. In 1970, Bob and Fran moved to Atlanta. There, Bob practiced dentistry at the VA Hospital for the next 40 years where many colleagues became close friends. Almost every afternoon after work, Bob could be seen running his same 6 mile route through Morningside and then would return home to have dinner with his family. For years Bob developed his many interests and displayed a talent for photography, making beautiful sculptures and caring for his rescue cat, Sam. Bob also gave back to his community and volunteered at Actor’s Express in its box office and delivered food for Project Open Hand. Together, Bob and Fran enjoyed traveling all over the world and during the past decade, they have especially enjoyed spending time together at their cabin in North Georgia where Bob discovered an additional talent: chopping down trees. His neighbors laughingly referred to the back acreage as “Solomon Park.” Persons from his immediate family, relatives, friends, patients, all were exposed to his unique Solomon humor. Fran often said she married him because he made her laugh every day. Even in his last days he could be playful, making silly jokes and making those around him smile through their tears. Although Bob excelled at many things, his greatest achievement was that of husband, father and grandfather. Bob was a funny, thoughtful and kind man who was dearly loved by all who knew him. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth El, 2710 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502, www.tbeutica.org, or to the Atlanta Food Bank, www.acfb.org. Funeral services were held on Thur., May 15 in the chapel at Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, with Rabbi Ron Segal officiating. Private burial followed. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.
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