Solomon (Sol) Figelman
CHARLOTTSVILLE, VA — Solomon (Sol) Figelman, formerly of Saratoga Springs, died November 30, 2015 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Sol was born on November 10, 1919, at 75 Orchard Street in New York City. He grew up at 120 Grand Avenue in a Saratoga neighborhood which at that time was mostly Italian and African American. He got along well with everyone, and it was there that his easy-going, trusting nature was forged.
Sol graduated from Saratoga High School in 1938. After a brief stint in New York City, he returned to Saratoga and worked as a supervisor at the New Star Laundry for many years. In the mid-1960’s he took over the family business, I. Figelman and Son, Scrap Metal Dealers, after his brother, Irving, moved to Florida. Sol ran the scrap metal business until just after his 90th birthday, and stated with pride: “I never cheated anyone out of one penny.” He loved dogs, and a small poodle was his constant companion. After his third dog died when Sol was 87, he immediately got another puppy. Sol lived independently at his Ritchie Place home until just after his 90th birthday, going to work six days weekly and enjoying evenings taking his dog for a ride and watching his beloved televised Yankee games. When he was no longer able to walk because of his post-polio syndrome, he moved into an assisted living facility. After the death of his brother, Morris, in 2013, Sol moved to Colonnades Skilled Nursing Facility in Charlottesville, VA, to be closer to his remaining family.
Sol is survived by his nieces: Adele Abrahamse Roof of Charlottesville, VA and Anita Zatz of Leesburg, VA; Grandniece: Augusta Abrahamse de Fuentes of Washington, DC; and Grandnephew: David Zatz and his wife Melissa of Ashburn, VA.
Sol was the son of the late Israel and Bessie Figelman. He is predeceased by his siblings: Irving (Freda), Betty Keveles (Louis), Bertha Garbarsky (Sidney), and Morris.
Funeral Services and Interment will be held this morning, Friday, December 4, 2015, at 11 a.m., at Congregation Shaara Tfille and Cemetery, 84 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
Arrangements under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
