Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Please enter a minimum of 2 characters to search.
Memorial Keepers(1)
They manage this memorial. Contact or join
Andrew Solomon
Edward Solomon
June 6th, 1942 - October 29th, 2021
June 6th, 1942 - October 29th, 2021
Dr. Edward Mark Solomon passed away on October 29th 2021 at his home in North Venice, Florida with his loving family by his side, following a long battle with prostate cancer. Ed was 79 years old.
Ed was born June 6th, 1942 in Teaneck, New Jersey to Adele and Samuel Solomon. He was a standout student and top athlete at Teaneck High School and “Best All-Around Camper” at Camp Buckskin in Maine. He went to Tufts University where he was recruited to play soccer and continued to distinguish himself both on the sports field and in the classroom. Ed was admitted to Tufts Medical School and completed his internship at the Public Health Service and residency at NYU/Bellevue. While on a blind date, Ed met the love of his life, Barbara Bookless, an undergraduate at Boston University. The couple wed in 1967 in Poughkeepsie, New York, and moved to Portland, Maine where Ed fulfilled his military obligation. While in Maine, Ed and Barbara gave birth to their first son, Tom. In 1972, Ed and Barbara moved to Harrington Park, New Jersey and Ed established a private practice in ophthalmology in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Soon after, they gave birth to their second son, Andrew.
Ed was beloved by his patients and staff, and became a leader in the medical community where he served as Chairman of the Ophthalmology Department for Valley Hospital. He was a dedicated father and attended all of his sons’ sporting events and served as a coach to their little league games. Ed was adventurous, becoming an avid skier, hunter, sailor and biker, and was often seen biking the roads of Bergen County enroute to his office. Ed was a dog lover, and devoted significant time to raising each of his Labrador children, Roy, Amos, Gerry, Ben, Nate and Lucy. Finally and most importantly, he loved his family, and was able to see his legacy grow with four beautiful grandsons, who came to know him as “Pop-Pop”.
Ed’s most amazing attribute was his desire to live life to the fullest, regardless of the curveballs thrown his way. Throughout most of his adulthood, Ed was plagued with bad knees, including six reconstructive surgeries, arthritis, vertigo and prostate cancer. Yet he never complained but rather continued to pursue his interests. When his right knee wouldn’t let him golf with his left hand, he simply taught himself how to play right-handed. When vertigo didn’t allow him to ride a two wheel bike, he instead rode a recumbent bike. Regardless of his illnesses and required medications, he still traveled the world, went to work, socialized with friends and enjoyed his family.
Ed is survived by wife Barbara, his brother Howard (Honey) Solomon of Ashville, North Carolina, sons Thomas (Stacey) Solomon and Andrew (Katie) Solomon, and grandsons Matthew, Michael, Jeffrey and Jake Solomon. While the Solomon family lost their patriarch, Ed left an indelible mark in the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him. Each have been taught by Ed to live with passion, to offer healing to those in need, to meet life’s challenges with resilience and humor, and to always be the very best versions of themselves.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ed’s honor to Memorial Sloan Kettering or Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation. Links are listed below.
** If you have any memories to share, please fill out "Send a tribute" on this memorial page as we'd love to hear from you.
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Edward
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Edward’s life with a heartfelt message.
Howard Solomon
As Ed’s brother, I can only express what a wonderful guy he was, with a great sense of humor and intellect. Ed, as a kid, would tenaciously master his homework, no matter how complex the calculus or trig. No problem was too great for him. I’m not sure we had honors classes in those days, but if we did, Ed would surely have been in them. And then he met Barbara, a gem. Together they were such good family, always welcoming. And their kids—-outstanding. Ed you will be sorely missed.
Marge
I have so many memories of good times spent with Barbara and Ed that it is hard not to write about them all, so just a few that stay with me........loved those afternoons at the lake with Ed so graciously taking us out on his boat to tour their beautiful lake, it was a privilege to be invited and welcomed so warmly by Ed and Barbara at some of their very important family events. I also remember a few terrific days at their home in Florida and having a fun time watching the super bowl with Ed. I know he was deeply loved by his family and friends and they will miss him, as I will.
Bridget Gallagher
As a long time friend of Barbara, it came as no surprise to me when I met Ed that her husband was as life-loving,, caring and supportive as Barbara . Ed encouraged /cajoled me on my first hike and was a wonderful host any time I came to visit. A true spark has gone out in the world and Ed will be missed.
Tom Rakowski
I’ve known Ed both as a patient and friend for the better part of forty years. Visits to his office were one of those rare doctor contacts that I actually looked forward to. His style and wit made them enjoyable, and his professionalism made them reassuring. Most docs would do well to have a similar impact on his/her patients. Many of these times were interrupted by support dog! How could you not enjoy them? Ed did things his own way, with a flare that was unique. Carol and I loved the fall bike events and the wonderful lunches with Barbara, Ed, and the whole crew We will all miss his smile, his wisdom and wit. He would want us to push on with heads high. His positive attitude in the face of adversity should be a guide to us all!! He will be missed ! Tom Rakowski
Julia Novina
Dr. Solomon was a kind, steady presence in my life growing up, as the father of childhood friends Tommy & Andy on our street, then my eye doctor whom I saw at least annually for the first 25 years of my life. I will always remember his smile, his wit and humor, the gentle giant that he was. Barbara, Tommy and Andy are so fortunate to have had Ed as husband and father. He will be missed.
Linda And Dan Friedman
We first met Ed Solomon when our daughter Katie became engaged to Andy, and the Solomons invited us to New Jersey for an engagement party in honor of the young couple. When we arrived in Old Tappan, Ed and Barbara were waiting for us outside their home with big welcoming smiles, and I thought to myself “what an attractive family Katie is marrying into!” And then in the course of that memorable weekend, we realized that Ed and Barbara were not only good looking people, but they were incredibly gracious and charming and great company. Whether on the golf course, at the helm of a sailboat, or on the ski slopes, Ed was a formidable figure. But the occasions we remember most fondly were the times when Ed would regale us with his captivating stories. He was a “larger than life” figure who will be greatly missed. Linda and Dan Friedman (California kin)
Copyright © 2026 Keeper Memorials, All rights reserved.