Richard J SOLMOS

28 DEC 1938 - 19 SEP 2010

• BIRTH: 28 DEC 1938, South Bend, IN
• BURIAL: Cremated
• DEATH: 19 SEP 2010, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: NOV 1978, St Joseph County, IN

INDEX

[N2900] Richard J. Solmos
Dec. 28, 1938 - Sept. 19, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Richard J. Solmos, "Boots," 71, was accepted by the Lord on Sunday, September 19, 2010, in his daughter's home in Mishawaka. He exited this life with great dignity, fighting a short but very tough battle with lung cancer. Boots was born on December 28, 1938, to the late Steve and Eleanor Solmos in North Liberty. He had three brothers, Steve Jr., Robert and James, who was better know as "Tob," and a sister named Dolly, who have all preceded him in death. In November 1978, Boots married Joyce Botton, and took on the father role of her three sons, Dennis, Rodney and Jerry. On January 24, 1979, Boots and Joyce welcomed their daughter, Lorianna Dawn, into the world. Joyce preceded him in death along with son, Jerry, in 2000. Surviving are his daughter, Loriann; sons, Dennis Taylor and Rodney Taylor; and a granddaughter, Rachel Marie. He is also survived by three special people he labeled as "children he never had" named Debi, Amy and Billy. Also surviving are a whole other family - all of the patrons of Donna Lee's. Boots worked at Allied that later became South Bend Stamping until he retired after 28 years of service. To keep himself busy he decided to work for a close longtime friend and pool buddy, Donna Lee herself. Boots served in the United States Army in the 1960s. He was a very loving and caring person and everyone enjoyed his company. He was a wonderful dart player and an even better pool player. Some would say that he was one of the best. He avidly enjoyed music with Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash being his two favorite singers. And for all who knew Dad and spent even a little bit of time with him knew that he truly did "Walk the line." There will be a memorial service and private ceremony to be held at a later date. Cremation will take place. Arrangements by the A.M. Manuel Funeral Home, North Liberty.
Published in South Bend Tribune on September 21, 2010