Erling Lyall Solstad

Erling ("Erl") Lyall Solstad passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Queens General Hospital. Erl was a loving father, caring husband, and dependable friend. He was born on July 18, 1940, to parents Erling William Solstad and Mary Lyall in New York and grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, attending boarding school at the Holderness School in New Hampshire and then enrolled at Union College in Schenectady. Erl was a true, multi-talented intellect, pursuing and achieving bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and History, and later on receiving another bachelor's in Architecture from Pratt Institute.

Erl also performed his duty to his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962-1965 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, receiving a Rifle Marksman badge and honorable discharge. Erl met Phakinee Wongsarochana, then a student at NYIT, in 1975, and they soon wed in 1976. They settled and built a life in downtown Brooklyn, welcoming children Christopher and Andrea into the world 10 years later. After his children were born, Erl spent most of his time as a devoted father and draftsman for Heyrich Architects, spending free time on his various hobbies and passions including motorcycles, buildings, sailboats, and cars, some of which live on through his children.

Erl touched many through his genuine warmth and curiosity, willing to talk and listen to anyone. We thank him for the many fond memories, lessons and adventures. Erl never sought to lecture or criticize, but taught us through his genuine, pure heart and being. Erl, you are a true pearl, and will be cherished forever, living on through the indelible mark you left on our hearts and minds.

Erl leaves behind Phakinee, wife of 50 years, son Christopher (wed Sharene), 2 grandchildren, Chiara and Taylor, and daughter Andrea.