(SCRANTON) – Chairman Lance Stange, Jr. issued the following statement:
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lost a great leader today as the Honorable Patrick J. Solano has passed away.
“His passing marks the loss of another treasured member of the Greatest Generation, having served as a B-17 Flight Engineer in the Army Air Corps where he flew twenty-three bombing missions in World War II and was awarded numerous medals for bravery.
“After returning home, Pat began his public life as a School Director. He went on to serve in several senior leadership positions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and became a sought-after advisor to numerous policymakers from governors to local officials and everything in between.
“Pat dedicated his life to public service and was a hero to northeastern Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth, and the United States of America. Really, he was the heart and soul of northeastern Pennsylvania.
“Patrick J. Solano made a difference.”