Robert Salvatore Sola
1936 - 2018
Robert Salvatore Sola
1936 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Sola Obituary
March 16, 1936 - January 25, 2018
Ordained August, 1981: Ordination name Anthony
He was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Westinghouse High School and graduated in Drama from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA
To the amusement of some and the confusion of others, Bob lived with many names. He answered to Bobby, Bob, Robert, Sal Roberts from his radio days, Father Anthony as a priest, Anthony, and Tony; and of every stage and screen part he ever played.
Bob was drafted into the Army in 1959 and the Military Police, he was stationed at the National War College in Washington DC.
He married MaryAnn Kreta in 1961, moved to Scottsdale, AZ and began teaching for the next 19 years at McClintock High School in Tempe, AZ. They had four children.
Bob was ordained into the priesthood of the Antiochian Eastern Orthodox Church. He served fifteen years at St. George Church in Phoenix, followed by nine years with Trinity Children and Family Services.
Bob loved stage and film acting, directing, and radio work. In addition to teaching his craft at McClintock High School, he was a Screen Actors Guild member, Actors Equity, and AFTRA member. He made many industrial films and a few Hollywood films and numerous commercials. He directed high school plays and acted at the White Barn in Irwin, PA, the Windmill Theatre in Scottsdale, Southwest Ensemble Theatre, and Quick Silver Productions.
His drama background was especially evident when he prepared and delivered eloquent sermons, bible study lessons and eulogies. He was a frequent guest speaker.
In 2004 he retired and married Cecily Lansford.
Bob had Parkinson's disease, and suffered two strokes. The loss of his memory and his distinctive "golden voice" was especially difficult for him, but even in his infirmity he was a kind and gentle man. Bob is preceded in death by his father Antonio Sola, mother Clara, and his brothers Anthony Jr., and James. He is survived by his wife Cecily; his children Tony Sola, David (Susana) Sola, Ann (Scott) Derrickson, and Michael Sola; six grandchildren, and two step-daughters Christine Lansford (Paul Lamprill) and Suzanne Lansford.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Ranalli
March 11, 2018
I got to know Robert when he stayed at the same facility as my mother-in-law. I found him to be a charming and sincerely kind man, with a wonderful sense of humor despite the physical challenges he faced. While I was glad he was able to return home after a time, I genuinely missed his presence when we stopped by for a visit. My condolences to Cecily and the rest of his family for your loss.
Kathy Nassar
February 2, 2018
I am so sorry to his family, friends, and loved ones. Father Anthony was the priest of my childhood, a very impressionable time. There was something wonderful about his sermons, in the focused attention of his prayers during liturgy, in the energetic and patient way he taught us teens about the Bible. Now i see that special something was that he expressed a certain truth. The truth of the undeniable being of an unconditionally loving God.
One simple example was when i asked him a question about animals and their fate. I had heard from another priest that animals don't have souls, so they don't go to heaven. I was devastated. Our pets were like family members and i was having a hard time dealing with the finality of their deaths. Father Anthony, who encouraged our questions, told me (in my own words with what i retain in my memory) that God created and loves every single one of his creatures. He pointed out a verse that said this very thing, and followed it with, we don't know what God has planned, we just know that His love, in His abundance, extends to every living thing.
My prayer now, is that Father Anthony be with that perfect love, that unconditional infinite source of love. And i thank him, for helping me to see that love so early in life, so that i always will want that spiritual connection. I recognize this now for the gift that it is.
May his memory be eternal. ☦
Dina Sayegh Doll
February 1, 2018
I'm grateful to Fr. Anthony and for the years he dedicated to St. George. I grew up benefiting from his teachings through Teen Soyo, the Bible Bowl, bible studies and his sermons. I feel blessed to have had him as my Priest. May His Memory Be Eternal.
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Bob Tolar
January 31, 2018
Thinking of you, Cecily, There comes a time when the suffering simply must end. Our prayers are with you.
Bob and Maria
Adam Bronnenkant
January 31, 2018
Fr. Anthony as I knew him was my priest, and I looked up to him. He was a strong public speaker who delivered brilliant sermons, modest with personal purchases, and an overall non-cliquish and inclusive fellow who tripled a congregation during the time I was at Saint George. He brought people together; he was a role model when I was young, and I will miss him.
Sam Nassif
January 31, 2018
To the Sola family; I am so very sorry for the loss of your father and husband. He was as good friend. I may not be in attendance because of a conflicting appointment. Please forgive me if I do not attend.
Sam Nassif
jack metcalfe
January 30, 2018
"Bob" was my college room-mate, army buddy, and closest friend for years and we shared many secrets,adventures, hopes and dreams. He was "Roomie" to my wife and I, "Uncle Bob" to our kids, and "Father" to the faithful; hence we always referred to him as "Uncle Father Roomie Bob" A man of many talents, a firm friend, and one of a kind. He will be missed. Jack and Pam Metcalfe. Murrysville, Pa.
Mariah Fleming
January 30, 2018
He was my Drama teacher at McClintock High. In all my student years he was the most memorable, gifted and wonderful teacher I ever had. He was an extraordinarily kind, talented. Insightful, enthusiastic person. He had a bright spirit that filled the classroom each day and a way of making each student feel that they mattered and could succeed. He encouraged me to nurture the creative part of me. He impressed upon me the importance in life of using the talents we are given. It is hard to put into words the profound affect his kindness and encouragement had on me when I was a young high school kid. I have no doubt that in his lifetime he made a big difference in many, many peoples' lives. I hope he knew that. Once years after high school I ran into him at a restaurant. I was surprised and touched that he remembered his then 15 year old fledgling Drama student by name. Many blessings to his family and loved ones.♥
Les and Fay Brattain
January 29, 2018
We, his neighbors, loved Bob. He was one of the kindest men we've ever known. His wisdom was valued by everyone who knew him. He and Cecily and their daughters were and outstanding group.
Les and Fay Brattain
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