Frank "Butch" Solimando

Frank "Butch" Solimando
On Thursday, December 21st, 2023, Frank Solimando passed away with his beloved
wife Donna by his side. Frank Solimando was born the middle child of three in Emerson,
New Jersey, on March 5th, 1943, to Joseph and Mary "Ginger" Solimando, surrounded
by a large extended family. On the day of his birth, "Here's your Little Butch!" was
murmured by one of the nurses, and with that, Frank would forever be known as
"Butch."
Butch grew up surrounded by family, culture, athletics, and hard work. A star athlete at
Hackensack High School, Butch held the record in Pole Vault for many years. Clad in a
white T-shirt and dashing good looks, Butch and his unforgettable personality would
cruise around in his canyon coral '57 Chevy making a little bit of mischief and lifelong
friends in the process that he would cherish through his final years.
Butch proudly served his country in the Army and enjoyed the adventures that came
along with being stationed in Japan, Korea, and Colorado. Following his return in 1965,
he dated and wed the elusive raven-haired beauty from Emerson and the love of his life,
Donna Russo. Together they settled in Chester, New York, a quiet country hamlet away
from the city. Here, Butch started his own construction business and raised three
beautiful children, a shining testament of their parents' love for one another.
An arduous work schedule would not stop Butch from spending quality time with loved
ones or building any number of childhood monuments for his children-giant
sandboxes, dollhouses, treehouses, gardens with towering sunflowers; his family meant
everything to him. Butch and his wife could be found cooking Italian food for gatherings
both large and intimate. His culinary prowess was so legendary that he was known to
drive two towns over to find the best bread. You could find him cruising around making
new friends in his now tropical turquoise '57 Chevy or '35 Dodge truck, working in his
barn woodshop with his son, or utilizing his Army sewing skills sewing tutus for his
daughter's dance recitals. Butch, with his boundless energy, embraced everything life
had to offer.
Never really retiring, Butch and Donna purchased a snowbird home in Florida next to
his closest friends and continued to work and impart card tricks and pizza crafting
techniques to his grandchildren. Trips to his daughter and family on the west coast
graced a whole new extended family with the joy of his demeanor and expression. His
golden years did not stop him from creating more lemonade stands and treehouses,
and in step with his ceaseless energy, turning a warehouse into a 5,000 sq ft dance
studio for his youngest daughter. Despite multiple illnesses towards the end, Butch
remained unwavering in his faith, dedication to his loved ones, and ability to make
others smile. His zest for life served as an inspiration, and tales will be told, and his
influence will be felt for generations to come.
Butch is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Dana, Joe, and Gina; grandchildren,
Joey, Jude, and Hailey; and Sister Veronica Solimando-Lynch. Butch is preceded in
death by his parents, Joseph Anthony Solimando, Mary Solimando, and sister Mary
Rose Solimando. Mass to celebrate Butch's remarkable life will be held at the Church Of
St. Anthony of Padua, 72 Lodi St. Hackensack, NJ 07601, on March 9th at 11:00 am.
Repast will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Avow Hospice,
1095 Whipporwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 www.avowcares.org, reflecting Butch's
compassionate spirit that touched so many around him.
"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."
-Federico Fellini
Arrangements for Frank "Butch" Solimando are under the direction of
Legacy Options Funeral & Cremation Services.