HOWARD SOLOMON

SOLOMON--Howard, longtime chairman of Forest Laboratories, former chairman of the New York City Ballet, chair of the finance committee and member of the executive committee at the Metropolitan Opera; dearly beloved husband of Sarah Billinghurst Solomon; adored father of Andrew and David Solomon; cherished father-in-law to Sarah Long Solomon and John Habich Solomon; treasured stepfather of Rebecca and Alexander Culley; and indulgent grandparent of Calvin, Emmett, Abigail, Blaine, and George Solomon, died peacefully at his home in Bedford Hills at 5:30 a.m. on January 8 listening to his beloved Rosenkavalier and holding his wife's hand. At 94, he was generous, wise, and surrounded by not only a devoted family, but also a wide circle of loyal friends. He had brought himself up from childhood poverty to a life rich in professional success, visionary philanthropy, and passionate attachment to family. He imbued the world with civility and dignity, and leaves it a less compassionate and refined place. An inveterate optimist, he created the beauty he saw around him through the power of his belief in those he loved. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Bower Solomon, who died in 1991 after 30 years of marriage.