On Monday, July 13, my family held a celebration of life for my father, Dr. Paul Solomon, in the Belmont Town Hall Auditorium.
When I began thinking about where we should gather to honor his life and legacy, I knew it had to be in Belmont. He loved this town and was deeply proud of his years of service to it. For many years, he also cared for generations of Belmont families through his pediatric practice just across the street at 18 Moore St.
The Town Hall was more than a venue. It felt like the right place to bring together the many parts of his life and the community he cared about so deeply. My family and I are tremendously grateful to the people who helped make the celebration possible.
When I reached out to Select Board member Matt Taylor, he immediately connected me with Jake Silveria in the Select Board and Town Administrator’s office. Jake guided me through every detail and made sure the Town Hall was ready to welcome our family and guests. His responsiveness, patience, and quiet competence gave me one less thing to worry about during an emotional time.
Thank you also to Parking Clerk John Steeves and Sgt. Rich Murphy of the Belmont Police Department for helping us prepare for the many people coming into town.
Our sincere thanks to Jeff Hansell and Matt Simonelli of Belmont Media, who gave their time and expertise before, during, and after the event to ensure the livestream and recording allowed even more people to be part of the day.
Finally, thank you to everyone who came to remember my father. Seeing the auditorium filled with people whose lives he touched meant more to our family than I can adequately express.
Belmont helped us give him the tribute he deserved.
Jeri Solomon, Stoneham