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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Harry
Solakian
April 7, 1938 – May 15, 2024
Obituary
Harry Solakian, April 7, 1938 - May 15, 2024.
Harry Solakian was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven at the age of 86, on May 15, 2024, after a struggle with heart failure. He passed away peacefully with his four children by his side.
Harry was born in Racine, Wisconsin to parents Sarkis and Florence "Filore" Solakian on April 7, 1938. With the arrival of his younger brother, George, Harry had a wonderful childhood with a loving family. Harry attended Garfield Grade School, Washington Junior High School and Horlick High School. He served in the National Guard and got his bachelor's degree in history and education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and master's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Harry started off his working career as a teacher at Starbuck Junior High School and then Washington Park High School, but he spent the majority of his teaching years as a Case High School history teacher. In 1976 Harry changed careers and went into the transportation industry as a sales executive, and it was in this industry that Harry retired at the age of 62.
In 1963 Harry married Gladys Decker Solakian and together they raised four children in Racine. In 1986 Harry and Gladys divorced, but they remained dear friends and spent holidays and many family dinners together with their children.
Harry's great joy in life was his four children and he was delighted with the addition of his beloved daughter-in-law, Stacey, son-in-law, David, and granddaughter, Eleanor. Harry aways said he was "the richest man in town" because of his family and up until his last week, still enjoyed his weekly Sunday dinners with them.
Harry was an amazing home chef, providing his family wonderful meals all the way into his last year, and he was so proud to see that his son, John, had surpassed him in his culinary skills. Harry also enjoyed sharing his hunting and fishing knowledge with his sons, Sam and Joe, laying the ground work for their lifelong passion. Together they enjoyed many outdoor adventures. Harry was always a dapper dresser in his conservative but fashionable style and enjoyed going on shopping excursions with his daughter, eating out at restaurants with her and going to the beach and on vacations with her.
Harry was a remarkable man. It was because of his strong sense of duty, the sacrifices he made and the deep love for his family that he achieved what he did and was able to give his family a wonderful life. He truly lived for his family.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents Sarkis and Filore Solakian, his brother George Solakian, and his ex-wife and dear friend Gladys Solakian. Harry is survived in life by his sons Sarkis "Sam" (Stacey) Solakian, John (David) Solakian and Joseph Solakian, his daughter Catherine Solakian and his granddaughter Eleanor Solakian.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, ICU unit for their kind and comforting care, and the wonderful staff at Clement Manor Nursing Home in Greenfield, Wisconsin for their attentive and loving care. The family further thanks Father Avedis Kalayjian and Father Yeprem Kelegian of St. Mesrob Armenian Church for their visits and spiritual guidance and support.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at St. Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin with visitation from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, service from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin. Any donations should be made to St. Mesrob Church or Clement Manor Nursing Home.
Harry Solakian was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven at the age of 86, on May 15, 2024, after a struggle with heart failure. He passed away peacefully with his four children by his side.
Harry was born in Racine, Wisconsin to parents Sarkis and Florence "Filore" Solakian on April 7, 1938. With the arrival of his younger brother, George, Harry had a wonderful childhood with a loving family. Harry attended Garfield Grade School, Washington Junior High School and Horlick High School. He served in the National Guard and got his bachelor's degree in history and education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and master's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Harry started off his working career as a teacher at Starbuck Junior High School and then Washington Park High School, but he spent the majority of his teaching years as a Case High School history teacher. In 1976 Harry changed careers and went into the transportation industry as a sales executive, and it was in this industry that Harry retired at the age of 62.
In 1963 Harry married Gladys Decker Solakian and together they raised four children in Racine. In 1986 Harry and Gladys divorced, but they remained dear friends and spent holidays and many family dinners together with their children.
Harry's great joy in life was his four children and he was delighted with the addition of his beloved daughter-in-law, Stacey, son-in-law, David, and granddaughter, Eleanor. Harry aways said he was "the richest man in town" because of his family and up until his last week, still enjoyed his weekly Sunday dinners with them.
Harry was an amazing home chef, providing his family wonderful meals all the way into his last year, and he was so proud to see that his son, John, had surpassed him in his culinary skills. Harry also enjoyed sharing his hunting and fishing knowledge with his sons, Sam and Joe, laying the ground work for their lifelong passion. Together they enjoyed many outdoor adventures. Harry was always a dapper dresser in his conservative but fashionable style and enjoyed going on shopping excursions with his daughter, eating out at restaurants with her and going to the beach and on vacations with her.
Harry was a remarkable man. It was because of his strong sense of duty, the sacrifices he made and the deep love for his family that he achieved what he did and was able to give his family a wonderful life. He truly lived for his family.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents Sarkis and Filore Solakian, his brother George Solakian, and his ex-wife and dear friend Gladys Solakian. Harry is survived in life by his sons Sarkis "Sam" (Stacey) Solakian, John (David) Solakian and Joseph Solakian, his daughter Catherine Solakian and his granddaughter Eleanor Solakian.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, ICU unit for their kind and comforting care, and the wonderful staff at Clement Manor Nursing Home in Greenfield, Wisconsin for their attentive and loving care. The family further thanks Father Avedis Kalayjian and Father Yeprem Kelegian of St. Mesrob Armenian Church for their visits and spiritual guidance and support.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at St. Mesrob Armenian Church, 4605 Erie Street, Racine, Wisconsin with visitation from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, service from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin. Any donations should be made to St. Mesrob Church or Clement Manor Nursing Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harry Solakian, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
May
22
St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church
9:00 - 10:00 am
Funeral Service
May
22
St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church
Starts at 10:00 am
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