Golden moment for Solimines

LYNN – David J. Solimine has played a prominent role in both his funeral business and the Lynn community at large. But the thing that makes him happiest is the way he?s been able to keep the business in the family.At the same time Solimine prepares to turn 80 on Aug. 30, he is celebrating his 50th year as the owner of Solimine Funeral Homes. He?s had establishments in several locations of the city since purchasing facilities on Boston Street and Broadway in 1965, and has purchased two other funeral businesses. Today, he is down to two, one on Broadway and the other on Ocean Street.More important than any of that – at least to him – is that both his son, David Jr., and grandson, Joel, have become involved in the business as well. For the past three years, Joel Solimine has been general manager of the business, which has allowed his grandfather to focus heavily on his philanthropic efforts around the city (such as his involvement with Santa?s Island in December to help the Item Santa fund).?I?m delighted,” he said, “to be served so well by my grandson. “(In 1978), David Jr. took over to relieve me of the headachy side of the business, and now Joel is keeping it going.?It?s perhaps my biggest joy, the way my family has stayed together and is so close,” said Solimine. “Every family should be as close.”The nature of the job can make it tough on families, however, said Joel Solimine.?It?s a seven-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year job,” he said. “And you have to be available to those who need you. We?re so fortunate to have a great staff – people who are willing to make those sacrifices. Christmas, other holidays, they sacrifice their own family events for the families who need them.”And that, said Dave Solimine, is the key to succeeding in this business.?We have to let (clients) know we care,” he said Wednesday, reflecting on his 50 years of proprietorship of his funeral homes. “We have to be aware of the feelings of everyone in the family and try to work toward a common decision. You really have to learn how to listen.”Sometimes, Joel said, getting families to agree can be a challenge.?Certainly, family dynamics play a part,” he said. “Sometimes, having everyone agree isn?t the easiest thing. You?re negotiating through emotions and feelings, and that can be a challenge.”David Solimine also said you have to have a feel not just for the needs of people, but for the moment. For example, he talked about comedian Bobby Siebel, who died last month.?Earlier in his life – and he?s been up-front about it – Bobby had a bit of a problem,” Dave Solimine said. “And there was one establishment he was thrown out of more than once. The owner died, and Bobby came to pay his respects. He ended up speaking about the man for three minutes, and the family was delighted.?When Bobby died, a number of his colleagues came to pay their respects,” he said. “I thought it was appropriate for them to say a few words about him. Paul D?Angelo (a local comic) stepped up and spoke, and people loved it.”Of course, for every moment of levity, there are moments that remind them of why they?re in the business.?The most difficult thing,” said Joel Solimine, “is burying a child. We all have families, and a lot of our people have children of their own. Working with tragedies involving young people can be difficult.?We?re certainly all human beings,” he said. “We do our best to be strong for people who need help. When people are devastated, we share in their feelings. We have emotions, too. But we have to focus on helping through their crises. We have to help them the best we can, and be as strong as we can.”The Solimine family does its best to counter the tough times with happiness. David Sr. is a champion of many local charities, and he and his family always look to lend good cheer to the community.One of the things they?re doing is hosting a series of ice cream socials around the city to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the business.?Who doesn?t like ice cream in the sum