Paul Solomon, beloved pediatrician, teacher, civic leader, and longtime Belmont resident, died on April 15, 2026, following a period of declining health. He was 97, just one month shy of his 98th birthday.
Born on May 15, 1928, in Boston, Paul was the son of the late Aaron Solomon and Esther (Selman) Solomon. He grew up in Brighton and graduated from Boston Latin School, Harvard College, and Boston University School of Medicine. After medical school and an internship, he served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon, including an assignment in France.
In 1962, Paul and his family moved to Belmont, where he lived for nearly six decades and became deeply woven into the town’s life.
After completing his pediatric training at the Boston Floating Hospital in 1960, he went on to a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. From 1960 to 1976, he maintained a solo pediatric practice in Belmont, where he became a trusted and much-loved physician to generations of families. He later joined Harvard Community Health Plan, serving as a pediatrician and in leadership roles, including director of physician recruitment and career development.
Paul’s commitment to Belmont extended well beyond his medical practice. He served as a Town Meeting member for more than three decades, then as a member of the Belmont Select Board for two terms from 2002 to 2008, including as chair. He also chaired the Vision 21 process, helping Belmont think carefully about its future while preserving the qualities that made it such a strong community.
For all of his accomplishments, what people will remember most is how he made them feel. He was an excellent listener, deeply present in conversation, and genuinely interested in other people. He had a great sense of humor, a lively mind, and a real joie de vivre. He loved travel and the arts, was a lifelong Red Sox fan, and never lost his enthusiasm for sweets, especially licorice.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Phyl Blest Solomon; his daughters, Karina Solomon, Debra Solomon, and Jeri Solomon; and many other family members and friends who loved him.
Paul was predeceased by his sister, Shaari (Solomon) Mittel, and his first wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Finson) Solomon.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at a later date. Full obituary and more information are available at brascofuneralhome.com.