Mel Solie

Mel Anacleto Solie, the youngest child of Debora Ricci (born in Fivizzano, Italy) and Melvin J Solie (born in Akeley, Minnesota), passed on Jan. 14, 2024 in La Quinta, CA, at age 86.

Mel was raised in the Italian neighborhood of West Third St, Santa Rosa, where he had tales of mischief and good food. The family later moved to Fresno Ave., across from a military base where his fascination with watching airplanes developed. He enjoyed walking to the nearby sale barn with his Uncle Bill to listen to cousin, Louis Ricci, auctioneering.

Mel graduated from Santa Rosa HS, Sacramento State University and San Francisco State University. He spent his career with Santa Rosa City Schools; starting as an Elementary School Teacher, progressing to other positions, and eventually Superintendent of Schools. It was at SRCS that he met the love of his life, Bobbie Cross. The two were a fixture at The Villa restaurant and loved going dancing. When they both retired, they relocated to La Quinta to enjoy the warmth of the desert. Dancing, dining out and singing, the two enjoyed time with a close group of friends in La Quinta and were very happy there.

Mel was known as a kind-hearted, generous man who had a quick (sometimes wicked) sense of humor. He was a Catholic and spent the pandemic viewing Mass remotely, later discussing with his daughters.  We are comforted that he has rejoined his love, Bobbie Cross-Solie, after 7 years apart. We imagine them singing Ella Fitzgerald’s “At Last”, together again.

Mel will be missed by his daughters MeLani (Bob) and Tawnya (Cliff), grandson Benjamin, sister Geraldine, nieces, nephews, stepson Raymond and his family, and many friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his beloved grandson Max Maysenhalder, sisters Shirley Torgelson and Barbara Lowenkron. 

A Memorial will be held in Santa Rosa in the spring, “On a sunny day”. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA.