Anthony Carmen Solazzo Jr.

Anthony Carmen Solazzo Jr. of Graham, NC, was born on July 20, 1951 in Oswego, NY. He passed away at home on March 17th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He suffered with a motor neuron disease for 18 years that eventually left him relying on a wheelchair for his mobility. He continued to live a full life. His spirit stayed strong despite the onset of additional ailments that continued to cause a decline in his health and quality of life. He was a strong man who fought hard until the very end.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, who loved him deeply, and his daughter, Angela Nicole King (Ron) grandchildren, Zoe and Logan King and Emma and Rachel Tomaro. He was a special uncle to several loving nieces and nephews along with many cousins. He is also survived by one aunt, Frances Solazzo, of Oswego New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Carmen Solazzo Sr and Alberta Martin Solazzo, his daughter, Kristie Renee Tomaro, sisters, Alberta Braxton and Janet Solazzo and a special friend and brother-in-law Al Braxton.

Tony graduated from Southern Alamance High School in 1969 and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971 until 1973, earning the rank of Corporal during his short service. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune and later in Porta Ricco. Part of his official roles in the service of his country was playing basketball and boxing.

Tony was a loving and hardworking man who touched the lives of many. He spent his early years as a licensed plumber owning a business in Alamance County, where he developed a large base of loyal customers and made meaningful connections. He finished his career at UNC Hospitals as a Plumbing Department Supervisor before retiring in 2010 with his disability. He was known for a strong work ethic but also for his enjoyment of sports. For many years he played softball with local recreational and church leagues as well as joining in with almost any team who needed an extra player on the weekends. He often aimed for the fence and hit many home runs but mostly he just loved the games.

Later he coached softball teams for children and grandchildren as well as joining a bowling team, picking up golf and playing pool. After he was confined to the wheelchair he continued to play pool and even designed and produced carrying cases for his sticks. The boy in him always loved to play and we all hope he is running the bases in heaven.

Tony will be remembered for his warm smile, his kindness and eager willingness to help others. He was a natural teacher who enjoyed sharing his knowledge of plumbing and fixing things to anyone who asked for help. He had a way of making people feel important and always listened intently and offered his loving assistance.

The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be conducted at Cedar Cliff United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Tony's memory will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Solazzo Family Scholarship at Alamance Community College or the ALS Association of NC