Robert J. Soluri Sr., 70, of Grand Island, NY, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Victor and Helen (Boniello) Soluri.

Robert was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area. He attended local schools, graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1962 and later served in the United States Air Force. On May 3, 1975 he married Arlene M. (Tanzella) Soluri. Robert began working in Niagara Falls as a young man at DiCamillo's Bakery. Afterwards he worked at Don Allen Chevrolet, Hooker Chemical Company and Niagara University. Robert went on to become a paramedic with Grand Island Fire Company, and was also instrumental in starting the paramedic program for Twin City Ambulance. He later worked for Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex in the Town of Niagara until his retirement in 1997.

Robert was actively involved in reorganizing the disbanded American Legion Post 1346, and went on to serve as their first Commander. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #180 and the Tonawanda Fireman's Association. In his leisure time Bob enjoyed deer hunting, coin collecting camping, traveling in his RV and spending the winter months in Florida. Above all, his greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of thirty nine years, Rob is survived by his four children, Danielle Soluri, Christopher (Danielle) Soluri, Robert (Danna) Soluri, Jr. and Vicki-Lynne Soluri all of Grand Island, NY; eight grandchildren, Michael and Kristyn Brown, Alexis Soluri, Sophia Soluri, Riley Crosby, Michael, Justin and Kyle Podgorny; his brother-in-law, Michael (Denise) Tanzella of Georgia and several nieces, nephews, a great-nephew and cousins. He was also predeceased by one brother Victor (Patty-Joe of Lewiston, NY) Soluri.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday November 17th at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane R. Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Acacia Park Cemetery, North Tonawanda, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial offerings may be made to the Grand Island Fire Co. 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.