It is with sadness that the family of Sy Solomon announces his passing on March 31, 2021. And while they mourn his passing, they are also filled with warm memories of a life well-lived.
Sy was born on March 5, 1936. He grew up in Brooklyn, NY, with his parents, Syd and Jack, and his two brothers, Myron and Bob. He served in the military and played baseball for the United States Army team. He grew up in the Brooklyn Dodger organization and played alongside Sandy Koufax and Fred Wilpon. An Army injury interfered with his hopes for a major league career and he enrolled in college on the GI Bill. In his junior year at Long Island University, he met Paula Silett. She was eighteen, he was twenty-two and it was pretty much love at first sight. They have been together ever since and raised two children, David and Laurie, each of whom married and had two children, Matthew and Jennifer, Melinda and Daniele.
Sy took great pride in his grand-children; his face lit up whenever he was with them. When they were young, he read stories to them, gave them tractor rides as he cut the grass, set up annual summer Olympics and played countless silly made-up games. As they grew older and became adults, he celebrated their accomplishments and recognized them for their unique and special talents.
Sy was a successful coach and mentor during his 32 years as a New York City physical education teacher. He took great delight in opening the eyes of inner-city teens to lifetime sports such as golf and tennis. He was written up by the New York Post as “The Man Who Brought Golf to the Ghetto”.
Sy was always ready with a quick smile, a funny story and his trademarked greeting, “How you doin’ babe?” He had numerous interests. He played golf with his many friends, enjoyed jazz and classical music, read the newspaper cover to cover and enjoyed cocktail hour with Paula where he would enjoy his “fire water”, a term he coined when his grandkids were little, so they wouldn’t be tempted to sip his vodka!
Above all else, Sy treasured Paula, his children and grandchildren, and embraced every moment with them. He was loved by all and will be missed by all!
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