Tribute to Charles Ray Solinger

Tribute to Charles Ray Solinger N8HRZ
December 16, 1939 - January 31, 2020

Charles Ray Solinger, went by Ray, of Niles passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 2:05 p.m. in Cleveland Clinic. He was 80.

Charles was born on December 16, 1939 in Austintown, Ohio, the son of Lawrence and Bernice Neff Solinger.

Mr. Solinger was a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. Following high school, Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army from May 26, 1958 to March 16, 1961. Later, he was employed at General Motors working on the assembly line for over 30 years.

On September 23, 1961, Ray married the love of his life, Barbara Border and together they raised their family. Shortly after Charles’s passing, Barbara passed joined her husband February 1, 2020.

Ray was a member of the Warren Amateur Radio Association for many years. He enjoyed going to Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut and The Jib Jab to meet with friends after the WARA meetings. He was also a regular at the Farmington Senior Center Monday Breakfast. He took pride in his S10 truck, and he loved to take trips on his motorcycle. Together Ray and Barbara would spend time feeding and observing wildlife in their neighborhood.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Sandy Ruman and her husband Steven Sr. of Niles, and Shelly Rossi and her husband David of Niles; a son Charles Ronald Solinger of Niles; a brother Ronald Solinger of Austintown; 3 grandchildren, Steven Jr., Ashley, and David; and a great grandchild on the way.

In addition to his parents, Charles was proceeded in death by his stepfather, Frank Portello, and a sister, Barb Anderson.

Ray's callsign N8HRZ is now owned by his grandson Steven Ruman who's previous call was KC8YDS.

Ray was on fast scan amateur TV back in the 1990's.

Ray was a good friend for many years. Ray was always very helpful and always had a smile on his face and had many good stories to tell. He was a fun person to be with. We would see each other at many hamfests. He visited my home several times. We would see each other at family picnics (my wife's brother Steve married Ray's daughter Sandy). You are missed my good friend! K8CX

Ray Solinger N8HRZ was a true friend, we miss him. 1939-2020 the family carry’s on with the tradition of his call sign. W8SU

N8HRZ 1989 Niles, Ohio

Ray N8HRZ
2012 Warren Amateur Radio Association Hamfest
Trumbull County Fair Grounds, Bazetta, Ohio
August 19, 2012

NR8M, N8HRZ
2013 Warren Amateur Radio Association Hamfest
Trumbull County Fair Grounds, Bazetta, Ohio
August 18, 2013

KC8YDS (now N8HRZ), N8HRZ, NR8M, K3LR
2014 Warren Amateur Radio Association Hamfest
Trumbull County Fair Grounds, Bazetta, Ohio

Ray N8HRZ
2018 Warren Amateur Radio Association Hamfest
Located at Misquito Lake Park in Cortland, Ohio

N8HRZ, KD8BHX, W8ZL, N8NVI
2018 Warren Amateur Radio Association Hamfest
Located at Misquito Lake Park in Cortland, Ohio

XYL Barb on motorcycle, Ray N8HRZ
A visit to the QTH of K8CX August 2018

QSL card courtesy of W8SU
Tributes courtesy of K8CX, W8SU
All photos by K8CX