Michael Joseph Solomon

Michael Joseph Solomon, born February 25, 1938, in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully from natural causes on September 3, 2024. He will be remembered fondly for his love of family and travel, his generosity and lively debates.

Michael is survived by his four children; Patrick Solomon (Christine), Susan Simmons (Rob), Missy Dunn, and Katie Holland (Bobby), three siblings, Paul Solomon and Dr. William Solomon of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, and Mary McAlindon of Flint, Michigan, 15 grandchildren and many devoted nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Martha, and his granddaughter, Mary Margaret “Mae” Dunn.

Michael was a servant of others. He was a founder of the Divine Providence Food Bank, which has since become what is now Feeding Tampa Bay. He was an ordained Deacon at Christ the King Catholic Church from 1997 to 2008. He loved leading bible studies and sharing his passion for scripture and church teachings with others. He continued his ministry with the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA, until his retirement in 2020. His passion for sharing his faith was a cornerstone of his life’s work.

In addition to his faith, Michael was an avid traveler. After years of working in the travel industry, he created Faith Tours, which combined his love of travel and Catholicism by leading pilgrimages around the world. This love of travel never ended, and at age 74, he walked the Camino De Santiago De Compostela, Spain.

Michael loved entertaining and was often found in the kitchen, delighting friends and family with his Lebanese meals. He loved to bake his famous sticky buns to share with others around the holidays. He also enjoyed fine wine and dining. His generosity, humor and wit were enjoyed by many.

A visitation and wake service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Sunday, September 8th at 2 PM with a vigil service beginning at 3 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday, September 9th at 10 AM followed by a reception in the McLoughlin Center where friends and family can share their memories and celebrate his remarkable life. The Interment will take place at 2 PM at Garden of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cristo Rey Catholic School in Tampa, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Michael’s memory, continuing his legacy of helping those in need.