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Richard Sollenberger Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Sollenberger
Sponsored by his students.
Tom Adams at Loyola
March 21, 2024
Dick,
I can still hear your booming voice in my head, see your smile and appreciate the stories you told. My memories of you are still strong and you still exist in this universe my friend.
Tom
Tom Adams
March 20, 2022
The mention of your name still makes me smile.
Tom Adams
March 20, 2020
Dick was an unforgettable person and my memory of him always makes me smile. You live on Richard in all who knew you. I feel very fortunate. Tom
James Toland
October 10, 2008
Dick was one of the greatest teachers a young artist could ever wish for. Stern, compassionate, and funny with a keen understanding of the artist mindset and temperament. Thank you for your years of guiding our artistic youth.
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Kerri Knutsen
October 1, 2008
He will very sadly missed. I am so glad I got the opportunity to see him again at the party in '06. It really felt like a reunion with him there. After the reunion we went to get a drink and I had forgotten how brilliant and sincerely kind he was. He will be in my memories forever. You can're remember the academy and not Solly.
Jeffrey Polsky
April 25, 2008
I kept putting this off and putting this off, and I am not sure this will be here long enough for anyone to read it. I am so sorry for your loss and ours. I was so sad to learn the news, and I am sad now.
I remember meeting Chris and Genevieve's uncle Dick, Alice's brother Dick, long before the Academy, long before I ever heard of the Academy. When I first met Solly, I did not know he was Solly. He was the brother and uncle of friends' friends across the street. But he made an immediate impression. Even at a large, outdoor, Fourth-of-July barbecue with dozens of people, Solly was a big presence. I think what I heard first was his laugh, actually. I was told he was an actor and a teacher. I quickly learned he had a great sense of humor. I did not see him often, but I remember when he was there.
Then I went to the Academy. Knowing he was there felt a bit like having a life-line in a foreign, very strange environment. When I auditioned for the Academy, I auditioned for Solly and Danny O'Connor and someone else. I would have to look up who. I cannot remember her name. DiBartolo? I have to confess I do not any longer remember. Like Val in "A Chorus Line," I swiped my audition card. I can look it up. My audition was dreadful. Horrible. I was a wreck, and terribly uninspired. I think it was what one might charitably describe as reciting lines. Danny who would later become a dear friend was very critical. Ha. If only I had known at the beginning how critical. Solly was critical, but very generous and very supportive. His criticism even to Academy administrators was thoughtful and constructive. Even when writing something he had every reason to believe I would never see, he was supportive and instructive. Solly was actually "Mister Sollenberger" to me at that point. I had known him as Dick at those barbecues, but at school "Mister Sollenberger" seemed the only appropriate form of address. It quickly changed. I think it was my pal and now dear friend S. who first said it to me. Who knows what we were talking about. Probably we were making a risk assessment of some kind, weighing potential penalty against pleasure of misbehaving, and I said something like, "But Mister Sollenberger's here. He'll see us." And S. said something like, "Solly? Solly? Don't worry about Solly. I can handle Solly." He was "Solly" to me ever after. Well, S. could not handle Solly; Solly could handle S., and every other student at the Academy. For example, Solly saw in S. what I saw, a beautiful, intelligent, special, talented individual who was pushing the envelope and rebelling as a high-school student. Who of us wasn't? And he saw it in so many of us. He always, always looked for it. He saw it in my friend L., too.
In the immature, crazy, childish, and child-like world of the Academy, Dick Sollenberger was an adult voice of responsibility and sanity. He was a teacher, a law enforcer, guidance counselor, confessor, de facto therapist, and cheerleader. Even if you were not his student or responsibility, if you went to the Academy you were his in the best possible way. Even if you were into forms of expression that he could not begin to understand or justify, as long as it was legal and safe, if it was important to the student, he was O.K. with it and supportive of it. A real cheerleader. In particular, he excelled at being a law enforcer, and he was legendary for it. Solly was big on rules and following rules--which made him something of a rarity in a way, at the Academy at the time. The difference was that Sollenberger was always in the joke, and always enforced the rules with his sense of humor very much present. He relished playing the role of enforcer, and he loved to let us know it. There was the pleasure of the catch of a misdeed and of being the enforcer, but also a certain pleasure that I can describe only as being of recognizing the existential ridiculousness of certain rules. The rules were going to be enforced on his watch, but he had a way of letting us know that he knew not all the rules were logical or fair, but he got to enforce them, and poor us, we had to abide by them. My friend L. who forwarded the terrible news of his passing to me sent me favorite Solly quotes. Some of them were just students' surnames followed by exclamation points and the directive, "Crawl!" The E-mail conjured so many memories of variations on the student, student, "Crawl!" construction. Hilarious. And he knew it. If any of it sounds like Schadenfreude, really it was not. There was always, always empathy and sympathy first and foremost, not pleasure at another's pain or misfortune--absolutely not; it was clear he felt a student's pain--but pleasure of watching another student learn an important lesson. He knew it was all for the best. When he was in charge, it always was because he led with caring and heart, which is rare anywhere. Speaking of heart, twice I had the sad occasion to let him know about the untimely passing of two former students. "$#!t," I believe was his response. When he spoke it, it was not profanity per se, but outrage at the profanity of the losses, of the injustice, the tragedy. When he spoke it, it spoke volumes, shock, anger, regret, but most of all loss. It was personal loss. Once Solly's, always Solly's.
It would be an understatement to describe S. as something of a trouble-maker. S. was a _career_ trouble-maker at the Academy. But just as it was clear to me at the time--and it was--I told S. so at the time--it was clear to Solly that S. would turn out well. Solly and S. never spoke again after the Academy, but I had the opportunity last year to bring him up-to-date on S. and S.'s many, many achievements and how very well S. turned out. I could hear immediate and unmistakable awe, pride, and satisfaction over the phone. It was palpable. He knew--and he was right--that he played an important role by being the enforcer, even when it was tough-love.
I am so sad now, but I feel so very lucky to have known him. Very lucky. The world is poorer for his loss, but remains so much the better for his having been here. So much the better for his having been here.
Rev. Nikkieli DeMone Lewis
April 2, 2008
This passing marks the end of an era.
I am saddened at the loss of this gentle giant. My mind goes back to algebra 1 where Solly would have us at the board working out a problem until we got it right. He would say "you've got to do 50 billion problems..." quitting was not an option in a sollenberger class. He was a man of solid integrity and deep committment and I will miss him dearly. To the sollenberger family I offer deep heart felt condolences.
Justine Sykora(Hrastinski)
April 2, 2008
My condolences to the Sollenberger Family:
As a member of the first graduating class of the Academy,I was grappling with the fact that I was the only graduating senior that was going on to college and not pursuing a performing art degree. I decided to pursue my second love which is science and major in medical technology/minor chemistry.My fears were put to rest at graduation when Mr. Sollenberger shook my hand and whispered to me," You do know you are the only one that is actually going to make any money ?" I think of his words often as an active and supportive patron of the arts.
Tom Adams
April 2, 2008
My condolence to all the Sollenberger family on the loss of Dick. It is fitting that so many of those who responded were his students. He was memorable... in everything. I enjoyed Dick's friendship for many years and the dinner parties at his home with Janice in Evanston. He was a world class story teller and I enjoyed every minute of them. At peace my friend.
Corrinna Lindholm Stoner
April 2, 2008
I would like to express my sympathy to the Sollenberger family for this tremendous loss. I was at the Academy 1984-1988 and have many memories of "Solly" during that time. He used to say "Lindholm, why can't you be more like your brother?" Even though I practically failed his Algebra class, I think he would be pleased that I grew up to be some what responsible. I will remember fondly his firm tone and sinister smile. I can easily conjure the memory of Lana Simon, Terry and myself getting locked in between two glass doors at the newly built Presidential Towers. We recognized Solly coming due to his stiped red and white winter hat, that was reminisent of Santa. We proceeded to bang on the door and plead for his help to free us. He smiled that smile, chuckled and walked away. That is the Solly I will love and remember.
Karyn Connell
March 31, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Sollenberger family. Solly was one of my favorite teachers. He made Anatomy fun! I think of his style of teaching and it makes me smile. I always talk about him to my students as the teacher who made a difference in my life. He will be greatly missed.
Katherine Liner
March 30, 2008
Mr. Sollenberger was my favorite teacher even though he taught the subjects I understood least. His comments on my report card for Algebra/Trig were: “Katie is incredibly stupid. You could plant her in a pot and she wouldn’t grow. She was a joy to have in class.” He gave me a D—and wrote “You’re welcome” underneath it.
My family loved Sollenberger because our family cat, Tony, was “acquired” due to his influence. Sollenberger found him wondering outside The Academy building and threatened to use him as a biology experiment if I didn’t take him home.
Mr. Sollenberger was larger than life and his presence lives on eternally in all of us. My deepest condolences to his family.
Gillian McShane
March 30, 2008
Firstly, my sincerest condolences to the whole Sollenberger family.
Solly and his family were a great support to me during my journey to become an academy student - they put me up for a month when I came from Northern Ireland to audition, and Solly personally kept in contact with my mom during my time in the States to reassure her that he had my back and was looking out for me. He was a great guy, of whom I have nothing but fond memories.
God bless
Gillian McShane (Theatre 1994)
deety zbaraz
March 29, 2008
To the Sollenberger family and the Moore family. our condolences to you during this difficult time. Dick was a person easily remembered.
our best. Deety and David Zbaraz
Ira Murfin
March 29, 2008
My first thought is of this conspiratorial glint he'd get in his eye when he'd decided to let you in on something. And how it wasn't that different from the look on his face when he thought he'd just caught you doing something wrong. You could be on one side of that glint or the other, but somehow it was always disarming.
I think of AP Biology, a class that turned out to have less to do with life science and a lot more to do with life for the four 2nd semester seniors he corralled into taking it. Of the long, digressive conversations we'd have. Solly's advice and his humanity.
And then I think of this one day, hanging out in the lobby after school, and just to show off that he can break the rules, too, he lights a cigarette sitting right there on the sofa. I was shocked, laughing. A teacher comes out of the lounge, aghast. But he just shouts "Lighten up!", that same glint, and runs out the door to the alley.
To you, Solly.
Glad so many of us got to see him at that last big party. He'll be missed.
Ira S. Murfin
Class of 1994
from our yearbook 1994, with his farewell signature to me
michaela marchi
March 29, 2008
My deepest condolences to all of Mr Sollenberger's family and friends for your loss. Solly was one of those people who helped to define my high school experience at the Academy, whether it was scaring me into getting back on track or praising me for my talent and accomplishment. Seeing him at our last Academy dinner party over the holidays was a real treat. His triumphant spirit shone through despite the battle he was fighting everyday. I'm so glad to have known him and have learned from him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his children. I hope it brings you some comfort to know how many people's lives your father touched.
Michelle Bjelke
March 29, 2008
My biology and alegebra classes with Dick Sollenberger were two unforgettable experiences I had in my time at the Academy (class of '85). Mr. Sollenberger (as he will always be to me) allowed me to focus on my academic interests yet he always pushed me to pursue a life in the arts. I lost my father to cancer over three years ago; to the Sollenberger family I can only say to cherish the happiness he brought to so many lives; he will live on through each and every one of us.
Linda Good
March 29, 2008
The memory of Mr. Sollenberger will always bring a smile to my face. We fondly named our biology class "Rock and Roll Biology," and though he outwardly scoffed when we constantly wrote it on the chalkboard before class, I knew that inwardly he was smiling. It was the combination of scientific knowledge and passion for the arts that he brought to my experience at the Academy and wholeheartedly prepared me for real life. I will miss him and am grateful to have had him as a teacher. Warmest thoughts to his family at this time.
Here's to you, Mr. Sollenberger!
Barb Natividad, Class of '87
March 29, 2008
I am very sorry for your loss.
Mr. Sollenberger was one of few I'm able to remember from the Academy. Then, how could anyone who had the man forget him? He spent an awful lot of time chasing me from the stairwells into the classes I was supposed to be in.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Karin Flores
March 29, 2008
Solly was a presence at The Academy. He really truly cared about us all; no BS! He taught me for multiple years, and as a senior, he was the one to give me the news that I was the valedictorian. That was a moment in life of pure good news, and he delivered it, and shared my happiness. I won't forget him!
Kathe Moses
March 29, 2008
I'm so sorry ..... Dick was a warm and wonderful person .... and added so much to the success of The Academy ... I served on the Board while my daughter attended and he was always willing to help ... with a smile and great humor. Everyone will miss him, I'm sure .... He is at peace!!
Michelle Brownell (Zbaraz)
March 29, 2008
Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Chris and Genieve, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Sollenberger visiting in Winnetka and how wonderful of a man he was. Please accept my condolences.
Doug Spinuzza
March 29, 2008
Dick was always very strict with me as a teacher, almost comically so, I'm sure at the time I probably needed it. In my early twenties I worked as a carriage driver in Chicago, and one afternoon I was on my way to Michigan Ave. and I glanced to my left and he was there smiling and chuckling the way he did, I stopped my horse and we had the best conversation, he was really warm and kind, I guess he wasn't such a tough guy after all. My sincere condolences...
Aaron Kahn
March 29, 2008
I graduated in the class of 1993 and, therefore, had dozens of unforgettable interactions with Dick from '91-'93.
Solly made sure each and every one of us shaped up before shipping us out.
I remember being as nervous as I get at customs checkpoints and passport control going into his office. It always seemed like he knew everything you didn't want him to know and he was watching your every move to decide which cards to play.
He did this with overwhelming compassion. He did it to remind us "indestructible teenage artists" that we were not yet "responsible adults" and that he was there to make sure we knew it.
Simply imagining Solly's uniquely interrogating voice making the call to my parents asking them if they knew why I wasn't at school prevented me from ever playing hooky.
I know my parents trusted Solly (at times maybe more than they trusted me!) and that his presence, eagle eye, and straight talk made the Academy somehow more legit.
In short, I really can't imagine my high school years without Solly. I feel lucky to have known him and grateful to have seen him at the 25th anniversary party in 2006.
My heart goes out to the Sollenbrger family in this time of loss. As well, I offer my gratitude for sharing your husband and father with the academy community. As Mr. Burgun said, "Solly WAS The Chicago Academy for The Arts."
Shana Jones
March 29, 2008
I was so sad to hear about Solly. I remember meeting him my very first day of attending The Academy and thinking he was very scary. But he turned out to be a big teddy bear, always supportive and he always had my back.
His family is in my thoughts.
March 29, 2008
First, I'd liked to express my condolences to the family.
Although I haven't see him since my days at the Academy, I've always wanted to thank him for saving my life. I'll never forget what you did for me that day. Thanks for being my angel here on earth.
I pray that your family has peace and I hope that you truly know how many lives you affected. Your dedication and unique spirit kept us on our toes!
Richard, thanks for helping me find my way to where I'm at today.
May you have peace now.
Melissa McDowell (class of 92')
Chris Westfall
March 28, 2008
My condolences to the family on your loss. Dick Sollenberger was a friend and an inspiration to me, and to many. He believed in me when I didn't know what to believe in, he cast me in my first show (and his, as a director) at the Academy. WIthout him I never would have gotten an agent or learned about the business. I learned a lot from Solly. You will be missed.
Eric Ellis
March 28, 2008
Dick Sollenberger supported my family during a very difficult time. That support made a big difference in how high school turned out, and probably the rest of my life. I will always be grateful.
Jamie Harrold
March 27, 2008
oops. I think I just erased my first sign in, so will try again. I was from Taylorville Il. and got excepted to The high School for performing arts, but couldn't go until Mr. Sollenberger and his wife said that they would let me live with them. Which I did for over a year and half!!! I Am So thankful to him. He was so gracious, and in a weird way, a great foster parent. And because I got to go to the Academy, I got a BFA from DePaul and then moved to N.Y. and made a living as an actor for 18 years. So I Thank Mr. Sollenberger for everything, he did for me. I met his three older children once/ and Gillian from 3days old to 19 months. and I am so sorry for your loss.
Jamie Harrold
Dick making his serious face after telling a joke...
Terry Banker
March 27, 2008
My condolences to the Sollenberger family.
Dick was a man of unending wisdom and a constant reminder of “continuity.” Beneath that gruff exterior, he knew what was important. In science class (many years ago), he reminded us that the body is a “just a doughnut.” And while this may be true, I will carry him and his wit with me as long as I can.
I admired him and will miss him.
Terry and Meri Beth Banker
Adam Bitterman
March 27, 2008
Sorry for your loss. God bless.
Pamela Jordan
March 26, 2008
The entire community of The Chicago Academy for the Arts wishes to express our condolences on the passing of Dick Sollenberger. His students called him Solly and he was loved and admired by all who knew him. He had an impact on the lives of hundreds of teenagers. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
Christa Waring-Jagisch
March 26, 2008
Gillian-
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
-Christa & Tim
Susan Terrano
March 26, 2008
Gillian, I am so sorry for your loss.
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