Solomon Tirfagnehu

Solomon Tirfagnehu, known and loved by nearly everyone in his life simply as Solo, was born in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Haregewine W. Michel and Tirfagnehu Ayele. One of nine siblings, Solomon was raised in a household full of family, love, and high expectations. From the age of four, his parents invested in their children’s education by hiring a private teacher, building a foundation that would shape Solomon’s entire academic journey. He attended Ras Abebe Primary School through second grade before earning a place at the prestigious Prince Bedemariam Laboratory School, located on the campus of Addis Ababa University, where he studied from third through eighth grade. He went on to complete his secondary education at Medhane Alem High School, graduating with the same confidence and sharp mind that defined everything he did.

Even in his earliest years, Solomon stood out. He was social, magnetic, and naturally hilarious, the kind of person whose stories always ended with the whole room laughing. He was also, by every account, impeccably stylish, known throughout Addis for one of the biggest Afros in the city and his signature bell bottoms and platform shoes. Solo was sharp in every sense of the word.

At just eighteen years old, with the full support of his family and especially the encouragement of his father, Solomon made the decision to leave Ethiopia and journey to America to continue his academic pursuits. He arrived first in Washington D.C. before making his way to New York, where he enrolled at SUNY New Paltz. It was there that he met Rhonda McDaniel, the love of his life. They married on September 4, 1980, at St. Francis Episcopal Church in White Plains, New York, and together built a beautiful life in Elmsford, New York, welcoming three children, Samson, Daniel, and Sabrina. In true Solo fashion, he and Ronnie also opened their home to numerous family members migrating from Ethiopia, serving as a foundation and a first step for so many who followed his trailblazing path to America.

Solomon was a proud Ethiopian! He never had any desire to give up his Ethiopian citizenship, a part of his identity he held sacred. The only time he ever considered becoming an American citizen was when Barack Obama was elected president, a moment that moved him deeply and made him briefly reconsider. But even then, his pride in his homeland won out, and he remained an Ethiopian citizen for the rest of his life, carrying his heritage with dignity and immense pride everywhere he went.

Solomon’s career was as dynamic as his personality. He worked in hospitality as Maître d’ at Tappan Hill and as a Banquet Captain, accumulating stories and memories from some of the region’s most prestigious events. He drove limousines, including a short assignment as Ralph Lauren’s private driver, a story he told with characteristic charm and just the right amount of humble pride. He ultimately found his true professional calling as a car salesman, with long tenures at White Plains Dodge and Rockland Toyota. Solo had an unmatched gift for conversation and human connection, and whether he was greeting guests or selling cars, people simply loved him.

Beyond his career, Solomon was a man of genuine passions. He played soccer on a C-League Ethiopian team before coming to America, and once in New York, became a devoted and unwavering New York Knicks fan, loyal to the end. He loved music especially the sounds of Bob Marley and Paul Simon, and counted among his most treasured memories being in the crowd at Madison Square Garden for one of Marley’s final performances. He read The New York Times faithfully, followed world politics closely, and loved to read and especially enjoyed a good autobiography. At home, he was equally content, grilling on weekends, hosting family and friends, gardening, and tending to his many houseplants with quiet pride.

In 2005, Solomon and Rhonda retired to Palm Coast, Florida, later relocating to Orlando to be closer to their children. He loved Florida life, the beach, and the warmth, but nothing brought him more joy in his later years than his grandchildren, who became the great light of his world. He carried the profound loss of his beloved Rhonda, who passed away on December 13, 2023, with the same grace and strength that defined his entire life.

Solomon Tirfagnehu arrived in America at eighteen with courage, charm, and an unshakeable belief in himself. He built a career out of connection, a family out of love, and a legacy out of generosity. He was the life of the party, the anchor of his family, and the kind of man who made every room better simply by being in it.

He is survived by his children, Samson(Jodi-Kay), Daniel(Janelle), and Sabrina; his grandchildren, Jameson, Avery, and Ledger; his siblings, Admas, Wolansa, Winichet, Alemayehu, Mamusha, and Ayela; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a family and community whose lives are forever enriched by having known him. He is reunited in eternity with his beloved wife, Rhonda.

A funeral service will be held at St. Michael Debre Sahil Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, located at 6301 Nassau Avenue, Orlando, FL 32822, on February 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Another funeral service will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, on the same day from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The committal service will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.