Gene Solan

Solan, Gene
ALBANY - Surrounded by family, Gene passed away, on July 7. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 14, 1943, to the late Kathleen Mary Lynch Solan and late Edward Solan, he was the beloved partner of 48 happy years of Paula Ford. Beloved brother of Margaret Mary McGirr (Eugene), Kevin (Noelani Low), and John (Stacy Holberg). He was predeceased by his brother, Edward. He was a cherished uncle of Maureen Aylward (Matt), Anne Rudman (Rick), Joseph McGirr (Torie), Elizabeth Seegers (Peter), Kathleen Cimo, and Kerry Solan. He will be profoundly missed by Paula's sisters, Carolyn May of Latham, N.Y. and Cindy Robinov (Scott) of Grafton, Mass.; and his niece, Jennifer LaJoy (Rob); and Jen's girls, Madeline and Andrea; as well as Moses, who never left Gene's lap willingly, all of Clifton Park, N.Y. He was a cherished great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Gene attended St. Edmund Catholic Elementary School in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, then St. Augustine Catholic High School, in Park Slope, Brooklyn and graduated 1960. He attended Capuchin Minor Seminary in Garrison, N.Y., thru 1964, then Nashua, N.H., and Milton, Mass., major seminaries where he completed his theological studies, and was ordained in 1968.
After completing his theology degree, he spent a year in Honduras, doing missionary work and Spanish immersion. On his return to New York City, he served the people of East Harlem, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, on Second Avenue and 112 Street, for several years, tending to their spiritual needs in the parish, and at Rikers Island. During this time, he earned a Sociology Degree from Fordham University.
For more than 25 years, Gene was dedicated to public service, working for the N.Y. State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, in Albany, N.Y., where he fulfilled his passion to provide housing for homeless, low-and moderate-income individuals and families. He was a proud founding member and president of the Neighborhood Resource Center, now a part of the Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations. Even in retirement, he continued to be an active, committed citizen of Albany.
Gene embraced life with many passions, jazz music, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking. Gene loved the outdoors, and enjoyed the Adirondack region in all seasons. An active member of the Albany Ski Club, Gene skied with them both locally and internationally. He and Paula were avid sports fans and news junkies, always well-informed and ready for a conversation.
An uncle who adored and was adored for never missing a dance recital or school event, Gene listened to the youngest family members without judgment and always a smile. Relationships with family and friends were dear to him. He travelled many miles over the years to visit his brothers and sister, Paula's family, and extended families, attending events, dance recitals, weddings, graduations, and holidays.
Funeral arrangements by Santangelo Funeral Home, Woodland Park, N.J. The funeral is 9:30 a.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Mountain Lakes, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (https://hatas.networkforgood.com/projects/41411-everyday-giving).