Obituary

Former Merokean Ruth Solomon dead at 74

Posted

Ruth Solomon, 74, of Pocono Pines, PA, died on Feb. 17 at home.

Born in Oceanside, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth A. (Schott) Visone. Solomon grew up in Merrick. She developed a very early passion for animals, clearly because of the example set by her parents. Solomon’s mother, a history teacher, and her father, a judge, rescued and adopted all kinds of animals, from cats, dogs and birds to rabbits, squirrels and even a monkey.

Solomon attended the Cathedral School of St. Mary in Garden City. After graduation, and as a young mother, she worked for many years at John F. Kennedy Airport for Pan Am Airlines. As a result of her employment, she traveled the world extensively and made lasting friendships wherever she visited.

Solomon’s early love for animals led her to become very actively involved with Animal Lifeline, Inc. since 1980, and she served as its president for the 18 years preceding her death. Solomon moved to Pennsylvania in 2005, accompanied by her son, Charlie, 24 cats and a dog.

In addition to her love for animals, Solomon enjoyed politics, reading and genealogy, and was a skilled pianist. She had the gift of humor, which she shared with everyone she encountered, as well as an indefatigable spirit and love of life.

She is survived by her cousins, Margaret “Meg” Schott Irizarry and Charles Schott. Solomon was preceded in death by her son, Charles David Handville. She will be dearly missed by the many friends she made across the globe.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Lifeline, Inc. P.O. Box 1034, Bellmore, NY 11710.

Entombment will be on March 1 at 1 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Queens.

Private cremation has been entrusted to Block Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Cresco.