William L. Solava

William “Bill” L. Solava, 76, of Reedsville, PA, passed away at his home on Friday, June 17, 2022. Bill was born September 3, 1945, in Phillipsburg, PA, to James & Katherine (Martha) Solava. He graduated from Phillipsburg-Osceola High School in 1963 and then from Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1967.

On August 17, 1968, he married Sharon (Barnett) Solava, the love of his life. After college, he worked at Kishacoquillas High School where he was a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He taught in the same school building for 37 years and retired from teaching at Indian Valley Middle School, Mifflin County School District.

Bill was well-known as a PIAA and USA Cross Country/Track & Field official, even being named PIAA Track & Field Official of the year. Many runners know him for founding and directing the Big Valley Invitational, a high school cross country meet held annually in Reedsville, and was supported by the Lewistown Rotary Club. Bill also co-owned S&S Painting with his life-long friend, Donald Spangler, of Lewistown. When he wasn’t coaching, he enjoyed Penn State wrestling, camping, and golfing with family and friends.  

Bill is survived by his two daughters; Tara L.S. Deitrich and her husband, Craig M. Deitrich of Bellefonte, PA.; Shanon L. Solava and her husband Keith Shiley of Jersey Shore, PA; his granddaughter Gabby Deitrich, the light of his life; his sister Kathy (Steve) Cady of Lemont, PA,;his half-sister Irene Butler of Ocala, FL; and half-sister Jeanie (Vern) Fraser of Mechanicsburg, PA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon G. Solava, his parents, his brother Edward L. Solava, and half-siblings James (Jimmy) Solava, Clara Martin, Theresa Martha, and Francis Botwright.

A celebration of life will be held at East Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, 100 Walnut St, Reedsville, PA, on Saturday, June 25 at 11 am. Visitation will be from 9 - 11 am and noon - 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Alzheimer's Association, National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Henderson-Bohn Funeral Home, Reedsville, PA. Online condolences may be offered at www.bohnfuneralhome.com.

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