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Patrick Solano, a decorated veteran of World War II and a longtime public servant who spent more than 40 years as a trusted friend and adviser to dozens of elected Pennsylvania officials, has passed away at the age of 95.
				A resident of Pittston Township, Solano spent his entire adult life in service to his country, whether it be as a member of the U.S. Air Force or as a political adviser to a number of different Pennsylvania governors during his long stint in Harrisburg.
				A 1942 graduate of Pittston Township High School, Solano completed 23 combat missions with the Eighth U.S. Air Force Heavy Bombardment Group. For his efforts, Solano earned a number of military honors and medals before returning home and entering into public service.
				In Harrisburg, Solano wore many different hats and left an indelible mark on a number of state legislators, perhaps most notably as the first cabinet secretary for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources after the department was created. In honor of his service, an environmental education building located in Frances Slocum State Park was named the Patrick J. Solano Environmental Education Center.
				In addition to his official roles, Solano offered insight and wisdom to Pennsylvania governors from both the Democratic and Republican parties for almost 50 years, including former governor Mark Schweiker, who issued a statement in honor of his friend on Sunday:
				&ldquo;Today is a sad day for Pennsylvania with the passing of a true patriot, Patrick Solano. He served our nation during World War II when he heroically flew B-17 combat missions over Germany. When he returned home, Pat would spend the next half century continuing his unwavering commitment to the service of his beloved country, commonwealth and Northeastern Pennsylvania. I&rsquo;ll miss my friend. He provided heartfelt and wise counsel to me, and many former governors. Pat was a giant that simply cannot be replaced. Kathy and I will keep his beloved wife, Marie, and his family in our prayers.&rdquo;
				Schweiker took over as governor in 2001 after his predecessor, Tom Ridge, took a position in the Bush administration&rsquo;s Office of Homeland Security.
				&ldquo;Honor. Duty. Service. Those are the words that first come to mind when I think of my dear friend Pat Solano,&rdquo; Ridge said in a statement released Sunday. &ldquo;He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will be felt here in his beloved Pennsylvania &#8211; and around the world &#8211; forever.&rdquo;
				A number of current state officials and figures have expressed their condolences, as well.
				&ldquo;Pat Solano was a patriot and a giant in Pennsylvania politics,&rdquo; said U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Lehigh Valley). &ldquo;For decades, Pat served as a valued counselor to countless Republican officials while never shying away from working with anyone who was seeking to better our commonwealth and his beloved northeast Pennsylvania.&rdquo;
				&ldquo;It&rsquo;s so sad for all of us in our area to lose Pat Solano. I always liked everything about him,&rdquo; said U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Moosic).
				&ldquo;From the personal physical courage he showed in the Army Air Corps during World War II, to his sharing a half century&rsquo;s worth of stories about his friends in public service, he was a man who attracted admirers from all corners. Best of all, he always told you the truth, and he put Northeastern Pennsylvania first.&rdquo;
				U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Dallas) shared a video on Facebook of a speech he gave in 2019 on the floor of the House in honor of Solano&rsquo;s 94th birthday, along with a post mourning the loss of his friend.
				&ldquo;Today is a sad day in the Commonwealth as the Honorable Patrick J. Solano passed away peacefully this morning,&rdquo; Meuser said. &ldquo;Described by all as a legend, Pat was a respected leader in Pennsylvania state government and politics&#8230;as many elected officials can attest, he was the best political mentor anyone could have ever asked for and one of the greatest men I have ever known.&rdquo;
				State Senators Lisa Baker (R-Lehman Township) and John Yudichak (I-Swoyersville), both of whom were on hand when Solano was honored in the State Senate in 2019, expressed their condolences as well.
				&ldquo;Today, I give a sad but fond last farewell to Patrick Solano. He was a friend, confidante, advisor, and mentor - a second father really,&rdquo; Baker said. &ldquo;He cared deeply about his community, about the environment, about opportunity in our region&#8230;he had faith in his ability to find the better angels in those on both sides of the political fence, locating common ground where no one else was looking.&rdquo;
				&ldquo;Pat Solano served his Country, his Commonwealth, and his community of northeastern Pennsylvania with distinction for decades,&rdquo; Yudichak said. &ldquo;&rdquo;I was honored to be among the many leaders who counted Pat Solano a political mentor, and I feel blessed to have shared his company and his friendship over the years.&rdquo;
				John Lombardo, chairman of the Luzerne County Young Republicans, also issued a statement honoring Solano.
				&ldquo;Yesterday the state of Pennsylvania and Luzerne County lost a great man, Patrick J. Solano. A servant leader, a statesman, and an example of someone who has dedicated their life to bettering their country,&rdquo; Lombardo said.
				&ldquo;Pat Solano was a great friend to the Luzerne County Young Republicans, and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. There is no one that has been a greater friend, ally, and mentor to the Luzerne County Young Republicans than Pat Solano and we hope to continue to honor his legacy by serving our state and country as he did.&rdquo;

Patrick Solano, WW II vet and longtime political adviser, dies at 95