WVIA rebroadcasts ‘War Stories’ about Pittston WWII vet Patrick Solano on Jan. 29-31
From a press release:
In remembrance of Patrick Solano, a decorated World War II veteran who became a public servant under nine Pennsylvania governors, WVIA will air a special rebroadcast of the award-winning original documentary film “War Stories: Pat Solano” this Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. on WVIA-TV.
The Pittston Township resident died peacefully at home on Jan. 23 at the age of 95, surrounded by his wife of 66 years and his family.
His obituary describes his long and interesting life:
Born in Pittston on June 22, 1925, he was the son of the late Carlo and Mary Aita Solano. In 1942, Pat graduated from Pittston Twp. High School and was drafted by the U.S. Army Air Corps, along with his brother, Nick. He served as a flight engineer on 23 combat missions with the Eighth U.S. Air Force Heavy Bombardment Group aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress. For his service, he was awarded the Group Presidential Citation, the Air Force Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Combat Theatre Medal with two Bronze Stars.
Following World War II, Pat embarked on a lifetime of public service at both the local and state levels. He served in the administration of nine governors and was frequently recognized for being a trusted advisor, a voice of reason, and a unifying force in the Pennsylvania Capitol.
As an avid outdoorsman, Pat was particularly proud of his service to the environment. He served as the deputy secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources and the Acting Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In 2013, the environmental learning center at Frances Slocum State Park was named in his honor.
Pat was a proud member of the Wyoming Rod & Gun Club and the founder of the Oak Ridge Sportsman’s Club. He always reminded everyone at the cabin that the most important thing about a hunting trip was the camaraderie.
A life resident of Pittston Twp., Pat grew up in Cork Lane, where he met his future wife, Marie Nocito. Married in 1954, Pat and Marie enjoyed a marriage rich in love and family traditions. The Solano house became the gathering place for weekly Sunday family dinners; Pat was always up for a card game, a party, or “a little something.”
Originally broadcast on Feb. 1, 2005, the 28-minute film is also available to watch on-demand at wvia.org and below:
VIA Public Media in Pittston, the PBS and NPR affiliate for Northeastern Pennsylvania, educates, inspires, entertains, and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.
WVIA-TV can be found on over-the-air antenna on channel 44 and on all major network providers in Northeast Pennsylvania and the Central Susquehanna Valley. WVIA carries PBS Kids programming all day on its second channel, 44.2; corresponding educational resources for PBS Kids programming can also be found at wvia.org.
