Obituaries

Veronica Koval Metily Solomon, 102 years young and a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Thursday morning at the Riverside Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Taylor. She was preceded in death by husbands, Joseph Metily and George Solomon.
Born on September 11, 1910, daughter of the late Michael and Anna Kotch Koval, Veronica took on the responsibility of raising her siblings’ children at a very young age. Working for over fifty years of her life, she spent the final thirty prior to her retirement as an employee for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Affectionately known as “Aunt Veronica” to everyone who knew her, she will be forever remembered for her generous and loving nature.
A faithful lifelong member of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Old Forge, she was the parish’s eldest member.
She is survived by nieces, Pauline Yablonsky, Barbara Cook, Florence Reese and Cheryl Spencer; nephews, Michael Poch, Stephen Sochotsky, Kenneth Solomon and Keith Solomon; a brother-in-law, Michael Solomon; sisters-in-law, Esther Solomon and Joan Fiore; along with four generations of grand nieces and nephews.
Also surviving is a special grand nephew, Peter Yablonsky and wife Sally of Apalachin, New York, and their family; and a lifelong caring friend and neighbor, Romayne Schafka of Old Forge.
The last surviving of eight children, she was also preceded in death by siblings, Mary, Jack, Anna, Pauline, Michael, Steven and Catherine.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Nursing Home for their care of her; and a special heartfelt thank you to both Dr. Darlene Dunay and Rev. Gary Mensinger who have been Veronica’s physician and spiritual guide, respectively, for many years.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday to begin at 11:30AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a noon Office of Christian Burial in St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 140 Church Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. Gary Mensinger, Pastor. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery, Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 10:00-11:30AM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Veronica’s name to her church, St. Nicholas Church, 140 Church Street, Old Forge, 18518.