After a long battle with lung cancer, Michael “Butch” Solomon, originally of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully on December 13 at Lake Nona Hospital in Orlando, FL.
Michael was born on August 8, 1940, to the late Michael and Emilie Korey Solomon. A proud 1958 graduate of GAR High School in Wilkes-Barre, he remained closely connected to his roots and his community throughout his life. He was a member of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre, where his family has strong ties. Michael also had a passion for sports, particularly as an avid Penn State football fan, showing his support for the team and its legacy throughout his life. His love for his heritage, family, and sports shaped much of who he was.
He had a notable career in the local business community. He began his working journey at Abe’s Community Lunch on Barney Street before partnering with his brother, Norman “Popeye” Solomon, to open and run the Colonial Pancake House on Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming, PA. This restaurant became a staple in the area. Later, Michael expanded his business ventures with Solomon’s Mine restaurant and bar, further contributing to the local hospitality scene. Additionally, his involvement in the community extended to serving on the Luzerne County Board of Assessors, reflecting his commitment to public service and local development.
His passion for wrestling began in high school, where he was a member of the GAR High School wrestling team. His dedication to the sport didn’t stop after graduation; he went on to become a respected PIAA wrestling official in the 1970s and 1980s. During his career as an official, he worked at various levels, including the WVCC (Wyoming Valley Conference), Regionals, and State Championship level. His contributions to the sport were a testament to his skill, knowledge, and love for wrestling, leaving a lasting legacy in the local wrestling community.
Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Norman “Popeye” Solomon, his sister, Elsie Nassor, and his brother-in-law, George Nassor.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Baskett; his son, Robert Solomon, and daughter-in-law, Kelly; and his cherished grandsons, Cole, Trent, Jacob, and Quint. He was also deeply devoted to his niece, Donna Nassor and her husband Greg, his nephew, George Nassor Jr. and his wife Christine, and his stepson, Braddock Baskett, and his wife, Lyndsey Stewart. The light of his life was his beloved granddaughter, Avarie Claire, who brought him immense joy.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with countless family members and friends who will continue to treasure him.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, December 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, PA. The funeral will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, followed by services at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, 905 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA. Interment will take place afterward at the Parish Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Michael Solomon’s memory may make donations to the renovation fund at St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in the name of his grandson Jacob Solomon. These contributions will help continue the causes that were meaningful to Michael and his family.
Testimonials:
Michael “Butchie” Solomon was highly regarded as one of the top high school wrestling officials in the Wyoming Valley Wrestling Conference during the 1970s and 1980s. His skill and expertise on the mat earned him the opportunity to officiate numerous championship matches, both at the local and regional levels, as well as in the prestigious PIAA state tournaments, where he was selected to referee on multiple occasions.
His contributions to the sport left a lasting impact, and the wrestling community fondly remembers his dedication and exceptional refereeing abilities. He will certainly be missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.
From the desk of Atty James Senape
There are many amusing stories that may not be suitable for publication in a newspaper, but one that stands out for both Michael and me, which I believe might be worth sharing, goes like this:
Michael was appointed by Luzerne County Commissioners Frank Trinisewski, Jim Philips, and Red Jones to the Luzerne County Board of Assessment Appeals in 1984. During his time there, he served as Chairman, overseeing the Board, which was responsible for managing the county’s real estate tax assessments and handling appeals from property owners seeking adjustments to their real estate valuations.
One amusing incident occurred during a property hearing, which Michael later withdrew before the property owner had left the room. While the Board was working on adjusting property values, Michael made a humorous suggestion to a property owner. He told the individual that he would recommend a reduction in the assessed value of the property if the owner could answer one simple question: “On which side of the two-stall garage do you park your car?”
The property owner responded, “On the left side.”
Michael, with a grin, replied, “Well, if you parked on the right side, I would recommend a reduction in the value.”
To Michael’s amusement, the property owner quickly agreed to park his car on the right side in the future. In the end, the property owner successfully received the reduction in the assessed value of his property.
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