On the 24th day of May, 2024, Sam Solano, also known as “Samuel M. Solano,” was called home at the blessed age of 96 to be with our Lord. He is resting peacefully with his loving wife, Manuela, of 68 years, and son Jesse. On the 13th of November, 1927, in Lockhart, Texas, he was born to Samuel and Rufina Solano. Samuel was the oldest of twelve siblings. He was strong-willed and best known for being a loving, devoted, and caring son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
As a young man, Samuel worked with his father picking cotton en la piscas. It was in those formative years that he developed his strong work ethic and perseverance. Throughout his life, he learned various trades such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and mechanics. In 1970, he began working for Bexar County, initially assigned to the Bexar County Courthouse. He eventually moved to the Public Works Department, where he retired after 22 years and 8 months of dedicated service.
Samuel had an amazing memory and loved to platicar. He could vividly recall stories from as young as five years old. In those stories, he offered the best consejos. Samuel and Manuela were the true American Dream. It was with their fuerzas that they built a strong foundation for their four sons. They were beyond proud of the men their sons became and their prestigious careers. However, out of all their accomplishments, they were most proud of the families their sons built. As a family man, Samuel loved and looked forward to family gatherings. He also enjoyed dancing, the outdoors, and traveling. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As their #1 cheerleader, he never missed their games or school events. Those same fuerzas and sabor por la vida continue to live on and reflect in their grandchildren, between their various esteemed degrees and careers, entrepreneurship, agricultural production, world traveling, and strong sense of la familia.
Samuel is survived by his sons Robert R. Solano and wife Maria, Samuel R. Solano, Edward R. Solano and wife Brenda, daughter-in-law Olivia Solano, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. His laughter, his jokes, his strength, and his presence will truly be missed.
