O. David Solomon

O. David Solomon was born on March 20, 1932, in Mezokovácsháza, Hungary, to Joseph Solomon and Emmy Klein Solomon. In 1937, as a young child, he immigrated with his younger brother, Jack and his parents to the United States.

David grew up in several small towns in western Pennsylvania and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1950. He went on to attend The Johns Hopkins University, where his intellectual gifts and work ethic flourished. One summer, while working as a swimming instructor, David met Louise Lichter of Pittsburgh. That meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. They were married on June 14, 1955, and shared seven decades of love, friendship, and adventure.

David continued his education, earning a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1958. He completed an internship in St. Petersburg, Florida, and pursued advanced training in ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland. There he became a board-certified ophthalmologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. For more than forty years, David practiced ophthalmology in Cleveland, where he was known as a skilled physician, thoughtful teacher, and trusted colleague. In addition to maintaining a private practice, he trained ophthalmology residents at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he also founded an ophthalmic assistant training program.

1985, he co-founded Sonogage, Inc., contributing to the development of a device that advanced the measurement of corneal thickness and improved surgical care. He remained deeply engaged in the medical community and served as President of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, as well as National President of Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity.

Outside of medicine, David embraced life fully. He loved sailing, tennis, and golf, and he delighted in travel—especially when shared with Louise and their family. Together they sailed remarkable waters around the world and later explored countless countries by land and sea. Three visits to Israel held special meaning for them, combining history, culture, and personal reflection.

David retired to Florida, settling on the west coast with Louise. They cultivated friendships through golfing and other community activities. He took pride in his hole-in-one, achieved in 2013.

David will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, dry wit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His life reflected a deep appreciation for learning, perseverance, and joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Louise Solomon; his children, Abby (Criag) Hollander, Jodi Solomon, and Joel Solomon; and his grandchildren, Jeni Hollander, Ian Hollander, Sarah Painter, Marco Painter, and Natalie Solomon. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Solomon, who remained forever in his heart.