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Donald Solá Obituary
JACKSONVILLE - Donald F. Solá, 86, of Jacksonville, died Tuesday at Hospicare in Ithaca.
Dr. Solá received his BA in 1952 and PhD in 1959 from Cornell University, before joining the Cornell Faculty as Professor of Linguistics. A lifelong interest in Quechua language and Andean culture attracted generations of students in linguistics, anthropology, and agronomy. As Director of the Quechua Language Progam and Cornell/San Marcos Project, funded in part by the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, he was instrumental in supporting the introduction of modern linguistics to universities throughout Latin America and a founder of PILEI (Interamerican Program for Linguistics and Language Teaching). Late in his career, his interest in language teaching extended to early development of language teaching software through InterLex Associates, for which he received awards from Educom and Annenberg / PBS. Professional interests inspired friendships and travel to conferences around the world.
Before moving to the Ithaca area in 1950, he worked at the New York Herald Tribune, affirming interests in quality journalism, history, and political affairs. He served in the Signal Intelligence Corps of the U.S. Army Air Force in India during World War II.
He and his surviving wife, Daphne (Schuyler) Sola, enjoyed a 62-year partnership. They had a love for poetry, music, theatre, art and ballet, which they passed along to their surviving three children, Michele Solá (married to Adrian Bennett), Cristina Hills (married to C. Barry Hills), and Matthew Solá, (married to Maki Amemiya); five grandchildren, Caitlin and Nicolas Hills, and Octavia, Christopher and Lucy Solá. Don particularly enjoyed a long succession of cats, most recently, Toby. He is also survived by his brother, Frank; and predeceased by his sister, Carolyn.
Friends knew Don as a spirited dancer, a jazz fan, an avid traveler to the ruins of Machu Picchu, concerts in Curacao, and theatre in New York and London. His kindness and generosity of spirit were appreciated by both family and friends.
The family will receive friends at their home on Friday, August 1, from 4 - 7 p.m. A memorial service is planned for the fall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Solá
vicky franklin
August 8, 2008
Daphne, so sorry to here of your loss. although we only met your husband once at thanksgiving dinner we both thought he was a great man and so interesting*we will never forget him see you soon vicky
Ed & Lhamo Salpeter
August 7, 2008
We know that the departure of your man of handsome countenance whose joy you have shared in companionship for sixty-two full years will be missed, we send our love to your and our best wishes to him for his travels onward.
Bobbi Singer
August 7, 2008
My close friendship with Don and Daphne's daughter, Michele, has given me a special and personal perspective on the Sola family. The times I had with them in Jacksonville have remained in my memory and heart even after all these decades. What a unique, adventurous, brilliant, often hilarious and always loving family. Don's death will leave a huge hole in their hearts. My thoughts and love are with you.
John Wolff
August 1, 2008
Don was my friend and colleague for 45 years. His friendship meant much to me personally and professionally. I will miss him.
Lynn Scott
July 31, 2008
We were neighbors of the Solas in the 1970s and are fortunate to have known this interesting couple. When we visited with them in April, it was as if the 1970s were only yesterday. What a great loss to Cornell, to Peru, and the world beyond.
Ann Day Don Mintz
July 31, 2008
So sorry to have known this great man for only a short time.
Sheila Haddad
July 31, 2008
Don was a good guy, and I'll miss his funny stories and seeing him in Morrill Hall. Be at peace...
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