Orlando Solano

Orlando Solano Salazar was known by his closest family members as “Solano”, “Solanín”, “Tito”, and “Tito Frito.” He was a hardworking man who often found his way to top managerial human resources positions across an array of fields. He was employed everywhere from a tobacco company to the National Hospital of Costa Rica to a morgue to an industrial plastics company. Proficient at anything he set his mind to, Orlando eventually let go of his successes in Costa Rica to find an appropriate level of care for his beautiful daughter, Anita. Packing his family and whatever belongings they could fit into their luggage, they boarded a flight and emigrated from Costa Rica to the United States in 1979. Risking his and his family’s luxury and security in Costa Rica, Orlando set off for the unknown in search of quality of care for his daughter and the American dream. 

Amidst the gravity of life’s hardships and unforeseen circumstances, Orlando consistently kept a cool head on his shoulders and added levity to any situation. Having never taken a serious photo in his life, Orlando was quite the jokester. He was like a living rolodex of jokes and one-liners. Any time people would visit, he had a slew of new jokes to tell, even up to his final days. When his grandchildren came of age to begin going out with friends, he would often bid them farewell by saying, “Portense bien, pero si se van a portar mal, me llaman” (Behave, but if you’re going to misbehave, give me a call). He taught us all about the importance of not taking yourself too seriously and finding light in any situation. 

It can be said that Orlando’s American dream is realized by his legacy. He is survived by his daughter, son, and seven grandchildren. Those grandchildren now have many children of their own, a total of 17. His own children and grandchildren have found fulfilling lives surrounded by love and happiness. They have all made great lives for themselves while providing for their families and creating even more opportunities for their children and future generations to come. It’s safe to say that the seed sown by Orlando’s risk back in 1979 sowed a seed that took strong roots in California and will continue to bear fruit for generations. Tito Frito, you can rest well knowing that your actions were not in vain and that your dream has been fulfilled. We love you more than you would ever know and will live on in our hearts forever.