Gary Solander - Col. USA Retired of 1695 Woodside Dr. Hermitage, passed away peacefully at 3:09 a.m. Friday, March 16, 2012, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System with his family by his side. He was 74.

Col. Solander was born August 22, 1937 in Yates Center, Kansas the son of Clifford and Wilma Wyse Solander.

He was a graduate of St. Teresa High School in Hutchinson, KS. Following high school, Gary continued his education at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS where he graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and his Masters Degree in Systems Management from University of Southern California.

Gary had 38 years of service as an enlisted (Sergeant First Class), Warrant Officer and Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. While in the military he graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College. He served in the US, Europe and the Far East. He had various duties, such as Command and Staff positions from squad to Major Army commands. Service assignments were in the Pentagon on the Army General Staff and in the Department of Defense. Col. Solander was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Good Conduct, Vietnam Campaign, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service, Korean Defense medal, Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Medal, Parachutist, and Jungle Expert Badges.

He was a member of VFW Post #6166 Sharon, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 55, American Legion Post #299 Sharon, and Mercer County Vietnam Era Veterans.

Col. Solander was currently the Director of Veterans Affairs in Mercer County and has been employed there since July 0f 2002.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Rebecca Ann Suchy Solander, whom he married February 17, 1987, and resides at home; 3 daughters, Janine Hogue Jones of Pittsburgh, PA, Caitlin Solander of Pittsburgh, PA, and Leslie and her husband Jeff Watkins of Colonial Heights, VA; a son Lt. Col. Kevin and his wife Samantha Solander of Roanoke, VA; 7 grandchildren, Jacob Jones, Christopher and Katie Watkins, United States Navy ET3 Andrew, Connor, Tucker, and Patric Solander.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Solander.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue / Bob Hope Road Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or to any local veterans organization.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 18 2012, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, in Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage with the Jeffrey J. Noble, pastor, as celebrant. Prior to leaving for Mass, a veteran's services will be conducted at the funeral home by the VFW West Middlesex Post 6233 and the Wheatland American Legion Post 432.

Interment: Arlington National Cemetery.