Larry "The King" Solomon

Larry H. Solomon VISTA -- After a brief but valiant battle with cancer, Larry Solomon passed away at home on Monday, August 8, 2011 surrounded by his wife, Karen, and children, Liz and Nick. Larry was known and loved for his big heart, quick smile, and hearty laugh. Larry, a life-long New York Mets fan, grew up in Flushing, New York, just miles from Shea Stadium. He graduated from Francis Lewis High School in 1975. His family moved to Newbury Park, California in 1978. While attending college in Fullerton, Larry met his bride, Karen Tollefson. Larry and Karen were married in 1986 in Anaheim. They moved to Vista in 1992. Larry and Karen have two children, Liz, age 20, and Nick, age 16. Larry was a devoted family man and amazing father. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his kids. He spent endless hours driving his daughter to dive practice during the week and to dive meets on the weekends. Larry coached his son's Rancho Buena Vista Little League teams for seven years, and continued coaching for two more years after Nick aged out of Little League. He also served on the board of directors at RBVLL. He was a positive influence on dozens of the kids he coached during those years, always stressing sportsmanship and personal best performance over winning. In recognition of his years of service, a dugout has been named in his honor at the Little League fields. Larry was the president of the Rancho Buena Vista High School football booster club from 2010 to the time of his death. In that short time he turned a struggling club into a successful fundraising entity, always with an eye toward doing what was best for the kids. Larry worked at Road Runner Sports from 1992 to the time of his death. He started on the sales floor, and soon became the sales trainer. He continued to work in different positions within the organization, mentoring many and befriending all those he met throughout the years. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Solomon. He is survived by his wife and children; his mother, Marilyn Solomon; and his sisters, Caryl Church and Amie Foy. A viewing will be held at 9 a.m., with a prayer service beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 11 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Vista. A reception in the church hall will follow. A private graveside service will follow the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solomon Family for education and other expenses.