Collins Solomon Jr.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA to Ardella and Collins Solomon, Sr., he was known to his extended family as Junior, Junie or Jun . With his older sister, Janis, and his numerous cousins he spent an adventurous and memorable childhood exploring the woods and hills around his home. But his favorite pastime was always fishing " and it remained so for all his life. After graduating from Westinghouse High School, he traveled by bus to Dallas, TX with 15-20 other Pittsburghers to attend Bishop College. He spent two years there before transferring to Shaw University in North Carolina. After returning home to Pittsburgh, he acquired employment with Gulf Oil Company (which became Chevron) and eventually became a Senior Research Technician in Oilfield Recovery processes. His work in research led to obtaining his certification as a Microsoft computer technician, as well. His second career, and his passion, was as musician and songwriter; and one of the highlights of his life was when he had his songs recorded and published. His home life began way back on that bus to Texas where he met the love of his life, his future wife, Barbara. Together they spent 45 years working, traveling and building a home for their three beautiful children: Collanne, Collins III and Daren. To them he was Dad or Daddy and was always full of fun and humor. His family was the joy and the heart of his life. Collins is survived by his mother, his loving wife, 2 of his beloved children and seven grandchildren. He is loved and missed by all.