Andrew H. Solan

Andrew H. Solan, 93, of Rostraver Township, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Jan.5, 2015, at Monongahela Valley Hospital. Andrew was born on Aug . 15, 1921, in Monessen to Tymko and Anna (Kuch) Solan. A graduate of Monessen High School with the Class of 1939, Andrew earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. On June 5, 1949, he married Anella Budnick, whom he said was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. A member of the United States Navy, he served as a Hospital Corpsman and Pharmacist's Mate First Class in both the United States and Guam. He began his teaching career at Bellmar High School and was there for three years before spending the next 27 years as a business teacher at Charleroi Area High School, where he served as class sponsor and yearbook chairman for many years. He and his business partner owned and operated Douglas Business School in Monessen from the late 1950s until the mid-1980s. Andrew served as secretary and general manager of Rostraver Township for over three decades. During that time, he worked with the township commissioners to establish what is now Cedar Creek Park. He was active in the Pennsylvania Local Government Secretaries Association, serving as its president in the early 1970s. He also served as secretary of the Rostraver Township Airport Authority for many years. He was an active member of the Rostraver Chamber of Commerce and was named their "Man of the Year" in 2008. He also served on the Rostraver Public Library Board of Directors, and was on the Executive Board of the Mid-Mon Valley All-Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009 he was one of the recipients of the Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellowships. He was a member of the American Legion in Charleroi for over 60 years. He was an active and lifelong member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Monessen. Andrew is survived by a son, Dr. James (Ann) Solan of Rostraver Township, and two daughters, Elaine (G. Thomas) Bair of Rostraver Township, and MonaLin Solan of Palm Harbor, Fla.; five grandchildren, Tracy Calandra, Aaron Solan, Nicholas Solan, Matthew Bair, and Emily Bair; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Solan of Williamsburg, Va. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anella Budnick Solan in 2007; two sisters, Mary Golashewski and Ann Pishko; one brother, John E. Solan; and a son-in-law, Al DeMarco of Florida. Andrew was a hard working, quick witted and generous man who devoted his life to his family, students, church community. The family wishes to recognize and thank Dr. Joseph Michael and the dedicated employees at Monongahela Valley Hospital for their considerate, compassionate and professional care. Friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday in the JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, http://www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com. Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 17 Reed Ave., Monessen, for a funeral service with Right Rev. Roman A. Yatskiv officiating. A Parastas service will be held in the funeral home at 7 p.m. Friday, and the Mid Mon Valley Shipmates will conduct a Two Bell Service at 8 p.m. Friday.