Frank Solomita, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.
Born on February 10, 1934, Frank grew up in Connecticut, the son of the late Frank and Sarah Solomita. He graduated from Trinity College and proudly served in the United States Air Force after graduation. He went on to live and teach in New York, where he dedicated his career to educating and inspiring young people.
Frank was a special person in the life of Somers High School as a long-time teacher and chair of the history department. These facts do not reflect how much Frank meant to the spirit of students and colleagues alike. He was a beloved history teacher who took great pride in encouraging his students to learn, grow and achieve their goals. He was a listener who respected others creating a sense of community. He reminded his staff that their smiles and positive interchanges might be the only ones the students may experience that day. To alleviate some friction over some union or politics, Frank created baseball and football fantasy leagues for both middle school and high school teachers. Those leagues have lasted four decades. Frank did not pontificate, but he shared ideas and was caring and interested about others viewpoints. In his quiet way, Frank gave soul to Somers High School. He believed in the potential of every student and took great pride in encouraging them in their lives. At the end of every class, he would leave his students with the words, “Stay Happy, Keep Smiling and Be good to each other.” These words reflected the positivity, kindness, and encouragement that defined his life. In his quiet way, Frank gave soul to Somers High School.
Frank’s love of teaching extended beyond the classroom and onto the baseball field, where he coached young people at both the Little League and high school levels. As a coach, he encouraged his players to work hard, believe in themselves, and be good teammates. Whether in the classroom or on the field, Frank was committed to helping young people reach their full potential, teaching lessons that would stay with them long after the final bell or the last inning.
Even after retiring from teaching, Frank never stopped being an educator. He continued to encourage those around him to think critically, seek the best answers, and strive to become the best versions of themselves. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students, friends, and family members. He continued being the positive influence. The diner breakfast meetings and the fantasy league meetings were opportunities everyone looked forward to because of Frank’s presence.
Above all, Frank loved his family deeply. He shared almost 62 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Roberta, building a lifetime of memories together. Family was at the center of his life, and he especially cherished time spent together around the dinner table. Whether asking everyone a question to consider, sharing a story, offering words of encouragement, or simply enjoying a family game, Frank had a special way of bringing everyone together and making each person feel valued.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta; his sons, Steve (Maura), Dave (Cindy), and Mike; his sister, Nancy Prager; his grandchildren, Haley, Grace, Austin, Jack, Ava, Stephanie and Miranda; his great-granddaughters, Journee, Scarlett and Dahlia; and many loving cousins.
An avid sports fan, Frank especially enjoyed cheering for his beloved New York Yankees and New York Jets. He enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for sports and spending time with those he loved.
Frank was known for his positive outlook, his kindness, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others. He always had an encouraging word for those around him. When asked how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same “Tremendous!” That simple response captured his joyful spirit and the optimism he brought to life.
Frank’s lessons will live on in the countless students he inspired, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched. He taught others to think, to persevere, to believe in themselves, and to treat one another with kindness.
His life was a tremendous gift to those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.
“Stay Happy, Keep Smiling and Be good to each other.”
His family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov 5, 2026 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Rd, Katonah, NY
The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at St Joseph’s RC Church, 95 Plumbrook Rd, Somers, NY
