John Phillip Solaro

1941 - 2014

John Phillip (Phil) Solaro

November 19, 1941

October 5, 2014

John Phillip (Phil) Solaro, 72, a native of Reno, died Sunday, October 5, in a Reno hospital following surgery.

Phil was born November 19, 1941 to John and Emma Solaro in Reno. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ronnie (Loverin) and children James (Amy), David (Megan), Kate (Mike) Nelson, and his seven grandchildren Jacob, John, Jessica, Emma, Nick, Justin and Zach. He also leaves behind his sister, Mary (J.C.) Hickman of Bellingham, Washington, as well as his nephews Steven Hickman, Will Loverin and niece Sarah Hickman.

Phil was an avid Boy Scout and obtained his Eagle Scout. He attended Reno High School and graduated from University of Nevada Reno in 1964 with a degree in electrical engineering. He obtained his professional license to practice engineering in 1969. After college he worked for PG&E, Sierra Pacific Power Company, Jensen Electric, and eventually owned his own electrical contracting business. Most recently he was a partner with Encore Energy and designed and built oil re-recycling facilities across the United States. He was a cofounder of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Electrician Apprentice Program which has educated thousands of people to become electricians throughout the Reno-Sparks Area. In 2013 he was awarded the Associated Builders and Contractors Legacy Award.

Phil was a long-time volunteer with the Galena Volunteer Fire Department serving as chief for 8 years. He also volunteered with the Reno Junior Ski Program for many years.

Phil was a mentor to many, not only in regards to business but how to be a wonderful husband and father. Family was the most important thing to Phil. He loved having family dinner every Sunday with his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours on the deck of the lake cabin watching the kids play and enjoy the water. He spent even more time in the Slide Mountain parking lot watching his family enjoy "Sunshine and Powder". Phil was also proud of his Italian heritage. Phil and Ronnie had travelled to Italy several times and had taken his children and grandchildren to find and meet numerous relatives in Northern Italy. He loved his wife's Italian cooking and learned to make crusty bread and gelato.

Phil was the ultimate project supervisor. He always had a project of sorts in the works. He and his son David spent 5 years every Wednesday night building a 24 foot mahogany Chris Craft style boat from the plans up. The "Mercoledi" had its maiden voyage in July of 2012, and what a proud moment for both father and son to share with all of their family and friends. Phil also enjoyed old cars, trains, and Nevada history.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held on the true Nevada Day October 31st at the Damonte Family Event Center at Sage Hill from noon to 3:00 pm. Please wear your Silver and Blue. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Renown Foundation 1300 Mill Street Reno, Nevada 89502 to benefit the Heart Program or the Boy and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Scholarship for the Ski Program 2680 East 9th Street Reno, Nevada 89512.