Raymond A. Sola
Raymond A. Sola, 84, of Hamden and also a 50 year summer resident of Amston Lake, passed away on November 8, 2018. Son of the late John and Rose Mary Trombotto Sola, he was born during a snowstorm on February 13, 1934 with Dr. Sterling Taylor of North Haven riding a horse and buggy to 2263 Whitney Avenue to deliver him at home. He was married for 714 months (59 1/2 years) to Janet Sinkiewicz Sola. Ray served during the Korean Conflict, deployed to the Bering Strait and was a member of American Legion Post 88, An avid fisherman, he was a member of the Central Connecticut Striper Club in Meriden, once having landed a 54 lb. striped bass. He attended Quinnipiac College and Central Connecticut. A partner in Sola-McKee Building Contractors prior to becoming the head carpenter for the Hamden Board of Education for 36 years, he also served as a Commissioner on the Town of Hamden Retirement Board. Father of Laurie Ann Ray (Donald) of Amston Lake, Lebanon, Raymond W. Sola Jr. (Pamela) of North Haven, Natalie Stock (Christopher) of North Haven, Janet Manukas (Rev. George) of Hamden, John Sola (Jennifer) of North Haven, and Helene Smith-Sola (Rigoberto) of Brooklyn, NY. Also survived by eleven grandchildren; Carrie Ray Kvasnik of Maryland, Lindsay Ray of NYC, Maria Manukas of Stamford, Andrew Stock of North Haven, Abbey Stock of New Orleans & North Haven, Joseph Stock of North Haven, twins Warren & Katie Sola of North Haven, Emma Sola of North Haven, Annie Manukas of Hamden, and Reymo Smith-Sola of Brooklyn, NY; his sister, Catherine McKee of North Haven, and nieces, nephews, a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and many relatives in Pinerolo, Italy, and Cordoba and Santa Fe, Argentina. He was predeceased by his brothers Clement, John, and Mario. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Monday, November 12th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. His Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave, Hamden followed by interment with Military Honors in St. Mary's Cemetery.
I didn’t know him that well, but he was my father’s roommate at Whitney Manor over the past month & when I heard he was moved to hospice last week it broke my heart. I came here to see my grandmother’s obituary from June because I was thinking about her & saw his name. I always tried to help him as much as I could when I’d visit my dad and made him as comfortable as I could he’d smile at me when he’d wake up and it made me so happy. My condolences to his family & wife may he Rest In Peace
Pop Pop
Wow, thank you Jenna for your beautiful words. God bless you and your family 😍
Dear Jan & Family,
We have such fond memories of summer weeks spent at your cottage on Amston Lake (which my dad Ed Duel rented for our family). We loved going out on the lake in my Dad’s wooden rowboat and were happy you kept it there for many years after. The love you and Ray shared for each other (and for all of your family) will always be an inspiration to us. Cherish the many wonderful memories you have of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We are in Florida and cannot attend Ray’s memorial mass, but he will forever be in our prayers.
Barbara Duel Tito & Bill Tito
Hello Janet, my sincere deep sorrow for your loss. My thoughts are with all of your family, my extended family whom I never forgot. I was Mamma Flo. So many memories. I never met Ray but I truly felt like I knew him.
Thanks Bonnie for your kind words —
While I was saddened by the news of his passing, I have so many wonderful memories of the smiling (with dimples galore) Mr. Sola. One of my fondest is him overseeing the construction of our -treehouse- in his backyard by both encouraging our project and sharing tools, and shaking his head and laughing each time he walked by. I thank him for always welcoming me to the lake, letting me take the paddle boat out for a spin, and teaching me how to use a fishing rod. Mr. Sola, I love you and you will be dearly missed!
Great moments in time. Waiting for Andrew to pass out the bocce balls. Ray was the judge, keeper of the tomato paste can and string. Close calls decided only by him. He was the Howard Cossel of bocce commentating with a comic wit of Groucho Marx, cigar included. Analyzing each players technique with words of encouragement to teammates or a turn of phrase jab at the opponent. Bush beers on the deck, Ray weaving stories that float across the lake. These memories are our souls where Ray lives. Cheers
I will always remember the hospitality of Ray, welcoming me up at the cottage many times throughout the decades at Amston Lake. He had a gift of making everyone feel special and valued. His children share the same qualities, so the gift goes on!
Love you Bonnie
My condolences to the entire Sola family, I worked with Ray for several years with The Board of Ed. He always had time for the young new guys, Either with a story or just some advice on survival. Always. Carrying the folding wooden ruler, I was lucky to have had time with men like Mr. Sola, They don’t make em like that anymore. Buddy Robinson
Thank you Barbara. I have fond memories of that big wooden rowboat. It had to have been there for 20 years!! We used to sink it in the swimming area and then pretend we were in search of a sunken treasure boat. A good memory!
Thank you Cathy. He loved having lots of people around and you were always a good friend to Janet.
Thank you Donna and family. We were so lucky to have spent our summers there and likewise my parents enjoyed spending time with Stanley and Irma. They were good days.
Thank you Jenna! I would visit every day for lunch and got to meet your dad. He was kind man who gladly shared his coke with my dad and liked to talk. We pray for him and your family as well.
Thank you Jonna
Thanks Buddy. He loved working for The Board of Ed and the crew there.
Thanks Dave for sharing those photos. He loved the parties at the lake.
To Janet & Family,
We’re so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of our many years together at Amston Lake, as friends and neighbors. My Dad Stanley, loved you guys and was always eager to share some talk and a beer. He admired Ray for his knowledge of carpentry and always appreciated a tip or two about his trade. Our sympathy to you Helene, as you were a good friend and spent much time with Steve when you two were little tykes. Our love goes out to you all in your time of sorrow. Sincerely, Donna, Jim, Steve and Jen
To Janet and Family I am so sorry for you all. My prayers and condolenses. Loved coming to your summer home each year and really enjoyed myself. Remember sing withe The Sunshine singers of Hebron with The Rev. And family. Ray and everyone there was so hospitable, Rest in Peace
To Natalie and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you have beautiful memories which will help you carry on. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Jonna Palluotto
Wow! I don’t remember you, but have heard so much about Mamma Flo. My mom loved you so. Thank you
To Janet, Ray and Family & Friends of Raymond –
You have my sincere condolences on the loss of Raymond. I know how much it hurts to lose a loved one. He was a great guy and I’m sure he will be missed in this life. May the memories of happy times shared ease your sorrow, bring you Peace and help you heal. May he remain in your hearts until you meet again. Love is forever!
With deepest sympathy,
Bob Mark
So Sorry for your loss. Love that picture .He was a great man and always kind to me growing up.