Robert L. Solgan

SOLGAN – Robert L., 71, Green Brook, N.J., passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at his home. Born in Johnstown, he resided in Green Brook for the past 41 years. He attended Pace University in New York City and worked as a controller for NL Industries for 35 years, prior to retiring in 1995. Mr. Solgan proudly served in the Army Reserve. Active member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and enjoyed gardening, trips to Atlantic City,  building furniture, home renovations and fishing in his spare time. He also had a passion for music. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in the Westfield Community Band, where he enjoyed many solo opportunities and was featured in a duet with his daughter. He also played for the group Nostalgia, where he enjoyed performing and listening to Big Band music. He was a devoted husband,  loving father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Predeceased by his parents, Louis and Catherine Solgan. Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia; daughters, Dianne Gallagher, and husband, Michael, Asbury, N.J.; Carolyn Masi, and husband, Daniel, Flanders, N.J.; and Patti Hoffman, Green Brook, N.J.; sister, Mildred Battiste, and husband, John, Windber; brother, Walter, Johnstown; grandchildren, Michelle and Kyle Gallagher, Julia and Justin Masi and Kevin Hoffman; and special nieces and nephews. Funeral service will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, N.J., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Dunellen, N.J. Interment will follow in St. Bernards Cemetery, Bridgewater, N.J. Visitation hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tenn. 38101, or St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 121 Madison Ave., Dunellen, N.J. The family also would like to thank their family and wonderful friends who supported them during their difficult time. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.middlesexfuneralhome.com.