Richard J. Solove

Richard J. Solove, born April 3, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio, passed away after a long illness on Friday, January 28, 2011 at his home in New Albany, Ohio. Dick graduated from South High School, and later The Ohio State University in 1948. He was a member of Rho Chi Honorary Society and Phi Rho Alpha Honorary Society in the College of Pharmacy. In 1963 he sold the three drug stores he owned in Columbus and forged a new career in real estate, developing and managing shopping centers, apartment communities and office complexes for the next 50 years.

His legacy of making a difference in this world was furthered through the mission of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in a tireless effort to eradicate cancer.

Throughout his life, Dick served on many boards, including The James Cancer Foundation, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, the Ohio Consumer Council, the Columbus Foundation Board, The American Cancer Society and the Sheppard Hill Hospital Foundation. He was a member of Muirfield Golf Club, New Albany Country Club, Athletic Club, Bay Colony Country Club and Columbus Club, the Presidents Club, the Buckeye Club, the Ohio State Faculty Club, the American Pharmaceutical Association, the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Classic Car Club of America, the Rolls-Royce Owners Club of America, and the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club of England.

An avid vintage car enthusiast, he collected and restored classic cars for more than 30 years. In 2007 he sold his treasured collection of Rolls-Royces at auction. He donated the $14.35 million to cancer research at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute as part of a $20million gift. In 2007 Dick and LaDonna gave $5million to initiate a collaborative oncology relationship between the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The James Cancer Hospital.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Jerome and Rae Solove; his sisters, Florence Bless Hurwitz and Bernice J. Goldstein; and brother, Alvin Solove. He is survived by his beloved wife and devoted companion, LaDonna J. Solove; children, Gregg (Deborah) Solove of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Jerome Solove of Powell, Ohio; and M’liss Solove Houston Nichols (Nick) of Arlington, Virginia; grandchildren: Jennifer Solove, John Houston, Kathryne Solove, Alexander Solove, Nicole Solove and Aaron Solove; step children: Shawn and Todd Cary. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives; and many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 1354 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, with Rabbi Michael N. Ungar and Rabbi Harold J. Berman officiating; Mr. Jack Chomsky, Cantor; interment to follow at Tifereth Israel Cemetery; and Minyan with reception at New Albany Country Club immediately following burial, all friends and family are invited. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, 660 Ackerman Rd., P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218-3112 or by visiting The James online at http://cancer.osu.edu/go/memoriam in his memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share your memories and stories with other friends and family who have been touched by Dick’s life.