Ruben Solano

Ruben Joseph Solano, 81, of Berne passed away Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Majestic Care of West Allen in Fort Wayne. He was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Berne to Joe and Margie (Flores) Solano. He was married Nov. 17, 1962, at Berne Church of the Nazarene to Janet E. Winn.
He began his working career at Economy Printing in Berne followed by Dunbar Furniture and CTS. He and his brother David founded Custom Drywall of Berne, and he went on to manage the business for over 35 years. He was a public servant serving the Berne community as a reserve police officer and emergency medical tech combined for 15 years. He was given an award from the Mayor for saving a woman’s life.
Beyond his professional commitments, he was passionate about classic car shows and in his early days drag racing. His passion for sports was not confined to motor racing. He was an ardent supporter of the Indiana Pacers, “Bobby Knight” Hoosiers and South Adams athletics. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and he was often seen cheering on his favorite teams.
He is survived by his wife of Berne; two daughters, Angela Jo Solano of Fort Wayne; and Teresa Scherri “Tesi” Molter of Shelbyville; sister, Mary Ann Solano-Simon of Berne; five grandchildren, Priscila Brito-Cook; Alexander Brito; Jade Solano-Webb; Gabriela Brito; and Jesse Galvan; and five great-grandchildren, Julian Caro; Eliana Cook; Ezra Cook; Isaiah Galvan-Reidman; and Amelia Mae Sprunger.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christina Renee Solano on March 29, 2020; and brother, David Solano.
Visitation will be two hours prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Thursday, Aug. 31 at Berne Church of the Nazarene Church. Officiating will be Pastor Matthew Phillips. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Memorials may be made to the ACCF Cancer Fund or the Indiana Epilepsy Foundation.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.