LYNN — Lifelong Lynn legend David Solimine Sr. turned 90 years old on Saturday.
During his celebration at The Italian American Citizens’ Club on Monday, he was surrounded by friends, family, and an enthusiastic bagpipe player.
“The best people have these events thrown for them; it doesn’t happen by chance,” said Solimine Sr.’s former neighbor Pat Karakashian.
Born in 1935 and graduating from Lynn Classical High School in 1953, Solimine Sr. served six years with the Massachusetts Air National Guard. He also earned a business degree from Northeastern University while working at the Spruce Street greenhouse and wholesale florist business that was operated by his parents, Damiano and Agnes.
“Lynn is my city, and I’m proud of it,” Solimine Sr. said.
Solimine Sr. then went on to earn his funeral director’s license in 1964 and has been owning and operating funeral homes in Lynn since 1965. Currently, he is the founder and funeral director of Solimine Funeral Home. Even entering his ninth decade, he says he never plans on fully retiring from the business.
“I like to take care of people,” Solimine Sr. said.
“He’s been there for people during the most difficult times, so now it’s nice to get together on a happy occasion,” said his son David Solimine Jr., who is also a funeral director at Solimine Funeral Home. “To have him to age 90 is truly great. He’s a special guy who loves Lynn, and today is an example of that.”
Solimine Sr. helps community members in many other ways outside of his work at the funeral home. He currently serves as the godfather of The Friendly Knights of St. Patrick, an organization that awards scholarships to Lynn high school students. He is also deeply involved in charitable organizations such as Valladolid Council Knights of Columbus, Order of Malta, and Santa’s Helping Hands.
“When I first met David, I thought it was too good to be true. The work that he does in the community with visiting the sick and his charitable work, there’s no better man,” said Friendly Knights of St. Patrick Chairman Bill McDonald.
Solimine Sr. was named as Essex Media Group’s Person of the Year in 2018 due to his contributions to the Lynn community.
“He always shows his support for the city, so we’re happy to show our support for him today,” said Ward 3 City Councilor Coco Alinsug during the birthday celebration.
“To honor him on his 90th birthday is amazing,” said Ward 6 City Councilor Fred Hogan.
“Lynn wouldn’t be Lynn without him,” said Ward 4 City Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey.
