Charles Irwin Solomon

Charles I. Solomon was a proud veteran of World War II. He came from a very close-knit family that stayed together and even moved across the country together when he and his brother Howard were already grown men.

Charlie was born in New York City and grew up in some very tough neighborhoods during the depression. He served in the Navy during World War II. His two years in the service made a very positive influence on his life. Remarkably, he came home unscathed and easily might not have survived that war. He was originally assigned to a cruiser, the USS Astoria (CA-34), but instead was luckily reassigned to an LST (Landing Ship Tank) to serve in the Pacific Theater. The USS Astoria ultimately was sunk with all hands aboard in the battle of Guadalcanal.

While serving on LST 1071, Charlie was in charge of the anti-aircraft guns on the bow of his ship. One evening, while on night watch, he watched the phosphorescent glow of a Japanese torpedo cross right below the flat-bottomed bow of his ship. Many good men did not survive the war, but Charlie's long life after the war was a gift. He had many great navy stories. He talked about how he would swim between anchored ships, in shark-infested water, with a knife strapped to his leg, just for fun

After the war, he became a businessman and an inventor with his name on patents. He discovered a love of travel in the Navy and was lucky enough to start an optical importing business with his brother that would allow him to continue to travel. He loved to tell a story about how he was stopped at Japan customs during one business trip because he did not have the right visa. He told the Japanese customs agent, "I didn't need a visa the last time I was here." The official asked, "When was that?" My dad replied "In 1945!"

Charlie loved to travel, but wherever he went throughout the world, he always loved coming back and living in San Antonio. Charlie had great friends here and he easily befriended people. Having the talent of conversation does not come natural to everyone. Charlie could strike-up and keep a conversation with practically anyone he encountered. He did not have a bad bone in his body and he was liked by all who met him.

But most of all, he loved family. He made a warm and loving home for his wife and kids. He had a close bond with his brother, Howard that lasted his entire life. They were only apart when each of them served in the Navy. His appreciation of family also extended to his many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He was proud to be Jewish and he believed in all of the fundamental Jewish beliefs, teachings and traditions. He made sure that his children were raised in a home with Jewish values and identity.