Mr. John A. Solar, 79, of Clayton, passed away Thursday, March 20th, at his residence. Per his wishes, there will be no public services. There will be a private family celebration this summer.
John was born February 10th, 1946, in Clayton, the son of Sylvester and Irma Spencer Solar. He graduated from Clayton Central School.
He entered the United States Navy on September 3rd, 1963, and was honorably discharged September 2nd, 1969.
On May 19th, 1973, he married Trudy Fisher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Anthony Pease officiating.
John was self-employed as a Barber for almost 60 years in Clayton.
He loved all sports. He was an avid fan of the New York professional sports teams, including the Yankees, Knicks, Giants, and Rangers. Not only did John love watching sports, he also loved playing sports. In particular, he loved golf and bowling.
John was a member of both the C-Way and Clayton Golf Clubs, and he was very active with the Wednesday Night Men’s Twilight Golf League, and the Tuesday and Thursday night Bowling leagues. He was a member of the Clayton American Legion Colin-Couch Post 821. He managed the annual “13 Run Pool” and dinner for many years. He was a past member of the Clayton Lions Club, a past fireman, and a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church.
Surviving besides his wife, Trudy, is one son, Steve and his wife Amber of Charlotte, North Carolina; one daughter, Becky, and her partner Shawn Lawler of LaFargeville; six grandchildren, Cory, Jessica, Cody and his companion Angel Harlow, Shawn M. and partner Erica, Dillon, and Seely; four great grandchildren; Caden, Miles, Claire, and Emilia; two sisters, Shirley McGrath of Clayton, and Sylvia C. of Syracuse; nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made in his name to T.I.E.R.S., P.O. Box 524, Clayton, N.Y. 13624.
Kimberly Fitchettr
Trudy and family, so sorry to hear of John’s passing…You are all in my thoughts .
Michel Rainville
À great compétitor and intense golfeur. I never made the mistake again of complimenting him on a very nice golf shot.
John sand Christmas Carols constantly on the golf course, unfortunately, the same one over and over and over…always nitched about my hair it’s done elsewhere.
He Will be missed…
Doug Dier
So sorry for your loss Trudy, Becky & Steve as we will all miss him. John left his mark on Clayton and the many that he touched… as he was a true icon! Lots of great memories of haircuts, playing ball and his antics on the golf course. I mostly remember how relentless he and Bud were to each other with the ball busting and constant back and forth. I can still see him working in his shop with his barber shirt on “Solarizing” someone in his chair, as others heckled him while sitting around playing cards. I hope you finally get a chance to “get even” with my brother… Love ya John!
Sue Ellen Garnsey
Trudy I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. You and your family are all in my prayers. Rest easy John.
Carol Kostyk-Hackett. (Calhoun)
John and I were class mates in school and graduated together.
So sorry for your loss of John. You and your family are in my prayers
Heather Craddock
Trudy and family
Our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your husband John and our neighbor.
John Penrose
My most vivid memory of John is watching him off the dock at the old Graves house on State Street in Clayton. He loved trying to catch the “big one” at the end of his work day. Such a gentle and kind man. RIP, John.
Sue and Gib Streets
Trudy, and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Richard D Potter
Trudy and family,John was my first baseball coach along with Bud Dier for the Cardinals in the Tee Shirt League back in 1972. I will always thank the people in Clayton that made our childhood in Clayton so special. The Lions Club did so many things for us due to their hard work and generosity and Johnny was a part of that group. In this time of dealing with your loss, please remember that Johnny is appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thank you Johnny and tell Bud when you see him, I said hi. P.S. I probably won’t miss the hair cuts with the “white walls” that he was known for. RIP my friend
Trudy Solar
Thanks Richard for your beautiful words. I absolutely love your story. Trudy
MRS VALERIE R SCHWALM
Truly and family: so sorry to hear of John’s passing. May God’s love help you though your grief.
Mike strouse
Short story of John My girlfriend Was working on the road job in downtown Clayton. She put her lunch cooler down in front of Johns shop when break time came her cooler was missing. She looked around and saw it inside Johns shop with the be back after lunch sign up I went to John at home to see if I could get her lunch. John replies oh I saw it outside and didn’t want anyone to take it so I set it inside go in and get it the door is unlocked. Johns thoughtfulness and the door is unlocked is So Norman Rockwell in real life Clayton. Thank you John for your part of making Clayton where we want to live. RIP John
Jayme Spearnock
Dear Trudy, I’m so sorry for your loss. John was such a good guy. I always remember when we had our fun sock day at the C-Way. John loved how we all wore socks like he wore! I have a lot of good memories of John. May he rest in peace now.
Fondly, Jayme and Bruce
Denise Calhoun
He was a wonderful man & a friend to many. 1st time I met him was late 1993, my husband & I were at a dinner when John picked up our brand new 1 month infant and walked away with her. I nearly freaked out, my husband knew him but I had no idea who he was. Lol, for years he teased her about cutting her long blond hair. Great memories of a fine man.
Prayers for your healing at this difficult time.
Jennifer McCormick
Trudy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for peace and strength during this sad time. Love, Jenn McCormick
Trudy Solar
Hey Val…thank you for your thoughts. John had a long journey with dementia and finally lost the fight. I was amazed at his will to live
Trudy Solar
Oops…wrote on wrong page…Jenn, your thoughts are precious to me..thank you
Linda Paventi
Steve my sympathy to you and the family. I’m Tracie Mason’s mom if you don’t recognize the sir name. You are in my prayers.
Fran Dartnell
Words won’t adequately express my sadness at John’s passing. He was such a great guy and had a wonderful sense of humor. I know Tim, Andy Seymour, Bud, Bogie, Mike Maser and a host of others are welcoming him with open arms. He will be sadly missed.
David Natali
My condolences to John’s family and friends. Growing up with John leaves me with great memories of basketball and baseball, but more importantly, John teaching me to play Pedro. Can’t forget skipping religious ed training and playing Pedro at John’s house one afternoon! (Yes, we did get caught.). In the words of the late Ralph Downey, “Game’s over, I have the deuce”. Rest in peace, John.
Krissy Barnes Eckert
Trudy,Steve and Becky,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Mr..Solar was always smiling and whistling as he cut all the me s hair. My father loves going down there to catch up on the gossip of Clayton. He was a wonderful man and truly loved his family unconditionally. My heart breaks for you all. A man that no one will forget.
Todd Marshall
My prayers are with Trudy and the family at this time. My Dad and John, and probably Bud Dier, and I am sure others were always prancing one and other. When John was still cutting hair, he would often times park on Hugunin Street across from my parents house, due to lack of parking downtown. I remember a black car that he had, (forgot the make snd model) but way back then nobody locked their cars, would often leave the keys in it and my Dad put some old stinky fish on the manifold if the engine, not sure if I have the details correct, but I know for sure something was done to my Dad for payback.
Marcia Sherman
Trudy,Steven and Becky…my heart is with you all So many memories are filled with John, Trudy, mom and dad. Usually when people said Bud…John always followed. What great friends they were. The constant harassment between the two were at times, relentless. But i can tell you…there was no truer friend than John. Thank you for all the memories and i am sure Dad was there welcoming John home…and am sure my mother will never have a quiet cup
Of coffee again at their “Koffee Kove in Heaven”. Much love to you all…RIP John
Gerald Jr. & Irene Orvis
Trudy & family, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a great guy, good father and grandfather! Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with. May he rest in peace.
Liz Dreizler
Trudy, My utmost condolences. May your wonderful memories sustain you.
Allison Root
Trudy, Steve, and Becky,
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I didn’t get to visit much with John during Pinochle parties but I do remember the interactions I had with him back then were very kind. Sending you all my love.
TOM HARTSHORN
John Solar was a fine Master Barber and offered great stories and commentary when you were in the chair.
He was a purveyor of old songs and would sing to you.
He also refinished old furniture and made it look new, again.
Pat Williamson
Dear Trudy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your husband, John’s, passing. You were my Supervisor at E.J.Noble Hospital over 20 years ago. I have fond memories of working with you. I have held every Supervisor that I worked with since then up to your standards. I knew John by his wonderful reputation only.
May he Rest in Peace
Sally Bogenschutz
Trudy, Steve & Becky….
I was so sorry to read about John. I have so many good memories of all of us years ago. You were all a big part of
our lives. I hope John has found Joe and they’re playing a round of golf already. Sending love and hugs to all of you.
Martha ivey
Trudy and family sending sympathy to you and your family Tom and I have fond memories of John he was a true River resident love and hugs he was a warrior
Linda LaLonde
Trudy and family I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. May John rest in peace.
Janet Ferguson
Trudy and family,
John and I were sorry to hear of John’s passing. John has many good memories of playing golf with him in their Sunday morning foursome at the CWay. (even in the snow) Thinking of you, Janet and John
Georgeen Marshall Clarke
Sending sincere condolences to Trudy, Steve, Becky and John’s extended family & friends. Take comfort in knowing that he has the good fortune of being reunited with some of Clayton’s finest.
Scott Link
My sympathy to the Solar family. R.I.P., John.
Paul Link Jr.