Rest In Peace, Goldie Faye Solomon of Port Chester, NY

Goldie Faye Solomon
May 19, 1926 - March 26, 2023

I was just notified that one of the persons responsible for shaping me into the person I am today has passed away. If this seems like a long obituary, it's because Goldie Faye Solomon was the epitome of a community hero.

Goldie taught me what it means to be part of a community, to care for the community you live in, to have respect and care for others, and to have pride in your community. Most importantly, she taught me the value of being involved in your community, attending public meetings, going to community events, to school events open to the public, of supporting our young students in their endeavors as she supported me those many years ago.

Goldie lived to the ripe age of 96, even at that age she was out there marching with the local Port Chester High School Marching Band, attending government meetings, going to the high school's dramatic performances, attending the school's athletic events, and cheering our young students on. She was a community and government watchdog, calling out government officials when they were want to take a turn down the wrong path.

She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and didn't care what people thought of her. Some called her the unofficial mayor of Port Chester. Me, I simply called her Goldie. And whether you liked, disliked, disagreed, or agreed with her, if you are from Port Chester, NY, then you know that she will be deeply missed.

Reprinted From the Port Chester Beautification Commission:

Question: Who in Port Chester knows Goldie Solomon?

Answer: Everyone. 

Many people would say Goldie is Port Chester. You don’t have to search far to find Goldie because she is everywhere, wearing her signature buttons at every board meeting, band competition, musical production or community event. Her legacy here is well known, and we celebrate her as a beautiful person. 

Originally from the Bronx, Goldie came to Port Chester just after WWII, where she served as a United States Cadet nurse. “I served at Mount Sinai Hospital in 12 hour shifts, caring for as many as 50 soldiers at a time. We nurses are veterans too! I’ve gone to Albany and Washington many times to fight for the benefits that cadet nurses have been denied for too long.”

Goldie’s nursing career stretches across decades. Many Port Chester students will fondly remember her as a nurse for the all the Port Chester elementary schools for 17 and a one half years. The Red Cross also had the benefit of Goldie’s nursing for 49 years but won’t call her anymore because at 90, “I’m too old. Well, I’m NOT too old! What are they trying to do, throw me out to the pasture?” You gotta love Goldie.

Aside from nursing and raising her children, Goldie also developed a great love for her adopted village’s rich history. She was President of the Port Chester Historical Society for 8 years. In partnership with the Port Chester Post office, Goldie was successful in creating 49 hand cancellation stamps commemorating local and American History. Other important volunteer roles include the Bicentennial chair for the Constitution, Head of the 4th of July Committee, Entertainment committee, Commemoration of WWII, and as a chaplain for the American Legion. If you frequented the Port Chester Library over the years, you probably noticed the display case that Goldie filled every month with historical memorabilia. “I love talking about history. We must honor our history. Very, very important. Ok?”

A major highlight in Goldie’s life was receiving the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from the NAACP. “We are all God’s children. We are all Americans! We may not all be citizens but we are all Americans. The Statue of Liberty says, give me your tired, your poor……..We are an immigrant society.” The Latino community in Port Chester adores Goldie Solomon, and enjoys her company at a many a music concert at St. Peter’s Church. She loves going to the Don Bosco Center every morning to talk to the immigrants. (Where this interview took place). In fact, we were interrupted many times by people coming over to our table, hugging Goldie, chatting, laughing and serenading her with Spanish songs. As we left the center, Goldie reminded a group of young men in Spanish about an event at St. Peters they should attend. One very tall teenager listening to his ipod looked down at the white haired 90 year and responded, “Word.” Like we said, everyone knows Goldie. 

Port Chester residents may best know Goldie for her years holding mayors and trustees accountable at every board meeting. “I speak for the people. Our taxes are too high! When Goldie waves her hands and speaks her convictions, the people at Don Bosco Center who are listening in clap and cheer. Another classic Goldie moment. 

The PCBC asked Goldie why she gives so much to her community, and she didn’t hesitate to answer. “When I give back, I feel great. I give back to God for the gift of life. When I wake up in the morning, I always say the same thing. Thank you for the gift of life. Guide me thru the day in your way, so I can help those that need help at all levels.” Who inspires Goldie Solomon? Again, the response was steadfast and heartfelt. “I’m inspired by our saviors. Our police, our fire dept, DPW, our EMTs and military. They put their lives on the line every day! They deserve to be honored!” We couldn’t agree more.

We can go on and on about Goldie, but we’ll stop here. After all, you all know her. Still, the next time you see her dressed in red, white and blue, waving an American flag, cheering on the High School Band, or holding someone’s feet to the fire, make sure you thank her. Better yet, you can do it on her Facebook page! “I <3 Goldie” Yes, Goldie has a Facebook page. And why not? We all know her……and love her.

Reprinted from Craft Memorial Funeral Home:

Obituary

Goldie Faye Solomon, 96, of Port Chester, New York passed away peacefully on March 26, 2023 after a long illness. Goldie was born on May 19, 1926 to the late Bella Leff and Meyer Rubenstien and they immigrated to this country from Romania in 1916. As a child, Goldie was always taught to salute the American Flag and sing the National Anthem with pride and to support the Country that she calls home. Goldie has lived her life following those words whole-heartedly until her death at 96.

Goldie grew up in the Bronx, NY and graduated from Walton High School in 1944 and Mount Sinai School of Nursing in 1947. She honorably served as a Cadet Nurse in World War II and was extremely proud of her service and the service of her fellow nurses in arms. After serving, she advocated for Veteran Status for all Cadet Nurses that served their Country in World War II. The New York Times wrote a front-page article about the Cadet Nurses of WWII including Goldie’s work in the November 11, 2000 issue of the paper.

Goldie moved to Port Chester in 1948 and raised her two children Bonnie (Lenny) Sorbara and Randy (Barbara) Solomon in the Port Chester School System. She continued to serve her community as a volunteer and a passionate supporter of Port Chester’s schools. Goldie was a nurse for years at United Hospital before becoming a beloved school nurse at Corpus Christi School and other schools within Port Chester. Goldie’s love of Port Chester, her fellow neighbors and its youth was truly a part of her “core being”.

Goldie was an honorary member of the Port Chester High School Band and an enthusiastic supporter of all the athletic teams. You would always see her dancing and clapping in the audience when the band played or cheering in the stands at all the home games. Being present for any Port Chester event brought her a joy and happiness that absolutely radiated from her; it was contagious. Goldie did not always watch on the sidelines with the audience, she also participated in numerous plays for the Council of the Arts and the Port Chester Recreational Group and she truly loved being a part of everything within her community.

Goldie was a proud Port Chester resident and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone she met. She was a well-known community figure who never shied away from an opportunity to celebrate her town or speak up for its constituents. Goldie was a renowned local historian celebrated for her patriotism as well as her love of Country and Community. She received numerous accolades from local officials, national officials and various organizations for her service, leadership and volunteer work. She was honored for her 43 years of service as a disaster nurse with the American Red Cross and numerous hours on the 911 Disaster Team.

She was so proud to receive the Port Chester Community Service Award, Rye Town Woman of the Year Award, the honor of being named Grand Marshall of the Columbus Day Parade, the Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and the DAR Community Service Award. She served countless hours as a member of the Independence Day Committee, the Port Chester Historical Society, the Port Chester Yacht Club, the NAACP, the Don Bosco Center as well as the US Postal Service where she was responsible for 100’s of hand cancellations representing over 37 historical events. She was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 93 and ran for Mayor two times on her own ticket, the Common Sense Party. Goldie was a huge supporter of the Port Chester Police and Fire Departments.

Goldie was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Miriam Moriarity. Besides her children, she is survived by her Grandchildren Matt (Erika) Valentine, Holly (Bob) Slavin, Kerry (Nick) Zarnin, Brandi (Allie) Solomon, Ryan Solomon, Casey Sorbara and one Great Grandchild Vega Valentine. Her family, her community and all the people who were lucky enough to have known her will sorely miss Goldie.

At this time, the family would also like to thank the numerous people for their kindness and compassion in aiding and befriending Goldie in her elder years including Hope Vespia, Dom Neri, Fritz Falanka, Vita Sileo, Ruben Alzate, Nella & Lou Larizza, the Port Chester Police, Fire Department and Paramedics and Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino and the Port Chester Board of Trustees. In addition, we want to thank her wonderful aids, Joan Barnes, Beatrice Amponsah, Beverly Rhame and her Hospice Nurse Ann Brady who gave her exceptional care.

Visitation will be 4-8PM on Thursday March 30, 2023 at Craft Memorial Home, Inc. A  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM on Friday March 31, 2023 at Corpus Christi Church 136 South Regent St. Port Chester, NY. Interment is Private

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Port Chester High School Band as it brought Goldie such pure joy and happiness all these years. Please send donations to 

Port Chester High School Band Association

PO Box 826

Port Chester, NY 10573

In Loving Memory of Ralph "King Ralphy" Iken

I don't know where to begin, which sometimes happens to journalists and writers. I've lost a dear friend and my emotions are overwhelming, which makes writing difficult. This isn't like when I wrote the first published obituary for Stormé DeLarvarie, someone I'd met once or twice but didn't know very well. It's much more difficult to write about someone who was close to you and whom you will miss a great deal.

Ralph Iken

APRIL 2, 1987 – JANUARY 30, 2023

a/k/a "King Ralphy"

Known simply as Ralphy to his friends, he was born in New York City's Brooklyn borough. According to multiple posts on Facebook, Ralphy was struck and killed by a car on the New Jersey Turnpike on January 30, 2023, bringing an abrupt and all-too-short end to the life of a fellow activist and dear friend. No further details are available as to the cause of death.

Ralphy was a staple of New York City's gay nightlife scene as well as a promoter, party host, rapper, DJ, publicist, and social networking and marketing professional. A protégé of sorts of the late DJ Peter Rauhofer, he both worked and lived with Rauhofer for many years until Rauhofer's death in 2013.

Why should you care that someone from NYC's gay nightlife scene has died? Because Ralphy was so much more than a mere icon in the club scene. He was a person of great depth, beloved by many. There are numerous posts on Facebook testifying about how he will be missed and how great a legend he was. It's important to know why he was such a beloved member of the LGBTQ community, why he became such a legend, and why he will be missed by so many.

Ralphy, like so many of us, was damaged goods. He'd been through a lot in the short span of 35 years he lived on this planet. He probably had more than his share of troubles, trials, and tribulations. Yet, he persevered. He survived an attempted sexual assault and became an advocate for those who suffered from sexual abuse, showing tremendous courage. His voice was strong and loud, yet full of compassion and love.

Sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors weren't the only causes Ralphy espoused. He spoke out often on mental health issues. #breakingcodesilence, which exposes and helps prevent institutional child abuse, was another cause that Ralphy was greatly involved in. He cared greatly for our youth and other vulnerable members of society. To know Ralphy was to see how much he cared for and loved others. He shared his own vulnerabilities to help support the causes he championed.

Ralphy gave so much of himself and asked nothing in return. Many LGBTQ artists owe their careers to him. The GaySocialites brand probably wouldn't exist without all the work he did for them. And Ralphy didn't just work his butt off for money, he did quite a bit for LGBTQ charities in NYC, as well. He did this without asking for anything in return--not even recognition (although he didn't mind being recognized for his efforts). In fact, he often approached nonprofit organizations and asked if he could do anything to help them. That's what he did when my fabulous friend Appolonia Cruz and I rescued Bronx Pride in 2013.

Ralphy's vulnerability made you just want to hug him--if he let you in. He exhibited kindness, compassion, and respect in all that he did, whether for profit, for charity, or for friendship. He cared about the people he worked with and for whom he advocated. He was about as real as you can get (some call it Brooklyn real).

What I will miss most about Ralphy is all the love he brought into this world. Rest In Peace, King Ralphy. You are missed.

King Ralphy with his mother, Hildy