Raymond Solari Obituary, Raymond Solari Has Passed Away – Death Cause
Raymond Solari Obituary, Death – Menlo Athletics conveys their deepest condolences to the Solari family on the passing of Raymond “Ray” Solari, who passed away just a week ago at the age of 95. Coach Ray was a three-time Rose Bowl participant and graduated with two letters from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the football team.
After that, the Cleveland Browns selected him in the draft; however, they ended up trading him to the San Francisco 49ers. After retiring from playing football, he went on to direct the football team at Menlo College for a total of 22 years, beginning in 1972 and ending in 1994. Keith Spataro, Vice President of Athletics at Menlo College, stated that “It was a privilege to have met Coach Ray and to get an understanding of the many things he did to contribute to Menlo College throughout the years.
When we initially got together in the early 2000s, I had the dawning realization that he was a crucial component in laying the groundwork for our athletics program. To achieve this goal, and thanks to the generous contribution made by Mr. Robert Mack ’74, we were able to name our athletics conference room in honor of Coach Solari, with the vow to eternally memorialize his Menlo College legacy.”
Throughout his time at Menlo, Coach Ray gained the admiration of hundreds of players thanks to his extensive football knowledge, his hilarious sense of humor, and the inventive ways he kept athletes motivated. Ray paved the way for Menlo Athletics in many different ways throughout his career. His leadership was especially essential at the crucial point when Menlo made the shift to a four-year program and membership in the NCAA Division III.
He was able to guide the team through this transition with ease. As a result of his efforts, the Oaks won a record 110 games, and he became one of the most successful coaches in the annals of Menlo Athletics. After guiding the Oaks to a perfect season in 1985, he guided them to the Coast Conference title game and ensured that they won. As a result of his many accomplishments, the Northern California Coach of the Year award was bestowed upon him.
