June 28, 1923 – January 2, 2016
Lenny’s was a life well lived. He is dearly missed by his family, friends, Corona de Tucson community, his dog Bambi and beloved wife of 70 years, Jeanette. Mostly on his own from the age of 13, Lenny didn’t let the adversity of his early childhood define him. His well-earned GI Bill enabled him to complete his education after WWII. With a positive, can-do attitude, and encouraged by his love for Jeanette, he first finished high school then earned his Mechanical Engineering degree.
Lenny served his country with bravery and distinction during WWII in the Army Air Corp. Corporal Solinski served in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan, where he witnessed the devastation at Hiroshima. He received the following citations: The Victory medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, Bronze Service Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, 4 Overseas Service Bars , Good Conduct Medal and Presidential Unit Citation.
Lenny went back to work at Zenith Radio after WWII. That is when he met Jeanette on a double date. Three months later they were married. When proposing he told her, “I could gaze into your eyes all night long,” then slipped a beautiful ring on her finger. Lenny retired from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. His skill as a mechanical engineer enabled him to create items that made it possible for those with disabilities to have better function and mobility. His work was very personally satisfying. Finding solutions and helping others was just natural for him.
Lenny and Jeanette moved to Corona de Tucson in 1986. It wasn’t long before neighbors began calling him Lenny the Yardman because he was always helping someone with their garden or landscaping. He took on the task of coordinating with Pima County to ensure that tall grass was cut and branches trimmed in Corona’s medians. It was several years before anyone knew who was responsible. This earned him the nickname of “Roadway Ranger.” He even provided donuts for the DOT workers. He and Jeanette received the Santa Rita Foothills Community Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Jeanette’s farewell letter to Lenny, the love of her life and who knew him best speaks volumes about Lenny. …”Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, and it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. …It always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Lenny, we had this kind of love in our life, for how else would we make it this far in our lives. 70 years together. We were really blessed. It is time for you to rest Lenny. I will miss you more than ever. …With all my love, Jeanette.” Lenny’s was a life well lived.
