Gerald Solar Obituary

Gerald Joseph Solar passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 12, 2023, at the age of 88 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Napoleonville, LA, Gerald attended Sacred Heart Grammar School (New Orleans) and graduated from St. Aloysius Class of 1953 (now Brother Martin High School). He worked part-time to contribute to his own tuition by delivering newspapers and prescriptions on his Cushman scooter - a work ethic he maintained throughout his life. His first full-time job after graduation was with Higgins Industries, a New Orleans shipyard, building minesweepers. From there, he went on to serve in the U. S. Naval Reserve. In 1957, Gerald enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and was stationed at Clinton County AFB in Wilmington, OH (Buckeye Wing) where he served as a Flight Engineer on the Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar", his favorite transport aircraft, as well as the Curtiss C-46 Commando and the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. His time in the Air Force sparked a lifelong passion for flying. Gerald felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk with many World War II veteran pilots about their experiences and reflections, and enjoyed sharing stories of his own flight adventures. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Gerald returned to New Orleans to start his family and embark on a 38 year career with New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (Entergy). Throughout his life, Gerald remained very physically active. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting duck, rabbit and deer with his friends; fishing and crabbing in his boat "The Silver Bullet"; and crawfishing roadside with his family. Though the wildlife may have feared him, he always kept a very special place in his heart for his dogs. Gerald completed several marathon, half-marathon and 5k events and received medals in many senior league golf and NASTAR snow skiing competitions. He was a proud member of The Diamond Club senior baseball organization, and could regularly be seen socializing and walking with a group of seniors at Lakeside Mall. Gerald and his beloved wife of 65 years, Gayle, did everything together, from yardwork and home renovations to square dancing and get-togethers with friends and family. Side by side they traveled North America in their RV, with Gayle navigating from the AAA Triptick. Their campers evolved along with them from the early days of the Apache pop-up to the 5th wheel with hydraulic extensions they enjoyed throughout retirement. They looked forward to spending time at various Gulf Coast condominiums and enjoying sharing dining experiences with family and friends. The couple reveled in trips to Hawaii, historic destinations across Europe as well as many cruise ship adventures - and yes, Gerald took pictures of it all. Despite the increasing physical challenges of his Parkinson's, Gerald remained actively involved in various organizations. He regularly assisted with Brother Martin Alumni Association fundraising events including Bingo games, golf tournaments and fishing rodeos. He served as a board member of The Diamond Club. Gerald also remained in touch with his fellow veterans through the American Legion Post #175 in Metairie and The Buckeye Wing of Clinton County AFB, as well as his retired co-workers from NOPSI/Entergy. Gerald was the most loving and devoted husband and father, a gentle and patient soul, with an unparalleled sense of humor. His twinkling eyes and full face smile lit up every room, and his whistle could be heard for miles. He immersed himself in every role: husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, co-worker - whatever anyone needed, he would lend a hand to help - and he always had the right tool for the job. May the family and friends he left behind find peace, and let his spirit be an inspiration to us all. Gerald is joined on his heavenly journey by his parents, Vivian Aucoin Solar and Noah D. Solar, step-mother Agnes Daigle Solar, parents-in-law Mildred and Anthony Bilich, and brother-in-law Robert "Bobby" Frederic. A lifetime of unconditional love and treasured memories will live on in the hearts of his wife of 65 years, Gayle Bilich Solar; daughters Patricia and Michelle Solar; sister Joyce Solar Frederic (Bobby); brother Roy Daigle (Kathi); nephews Michael Frederic (Courtnye); Vince Frederic; Kenneth Daigle (Beverly); Daniel Daigle (Ashley); Ronald Daigle (Jill); Jonathan Daigle (Erica); brother-in-law Anthony Bilich (Sandi) and many great nieces and nephews. VISITATION: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at St. Angela Merici Church (835 Melody Drive, Metairie, 70002) 10a-12p, with Mass to follow at Noon. INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, LA 70460) promptly at 1:30p. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider making a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (200 Southeast First Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131) Parkinson. org.