Bernard M. Solan Sr., 99, a resident of the Katherine Luther Home formerly of Utica passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Bernard was born in Utica on November 30, 1910 the son of Thomas M. and Mary I. (Nelson) Solan. At Blessed Sacrament Church, Utica on October 31, 1936 Bernard was united in marriage to Mary A. Donovan a blessed union of 65 years until her passing away in 2001. In June of 1937 Bernard was appointed to the Utica Fire Department and served for 25 years retiring in 1962 as Assistant Fire Chief. After his retirement he was employed with the General Electric Co as Fire Protection Captain and until 1982 was a New York State Fire Instructor. Bernard was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Utica until its closing, Engine 11, and a honorary member of many of the volunteer Fire Departments in Central New York. Bernard is survived by a daughter, Marianne T. Solan, GA, 5 sons and daughters-in-law, Bernard and Dana Solan, Jr., Utica, Dennis and Rose Solan, Alexandria Bay, NY, John and Cynthia Solan, Cossayuna, NY, Francis (Pete) and Ann Solan, IA and Timothy and Carol Solan, New Hartford. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Mr. Solan's funeral will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 9:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:30 from Our Lady of The Rosary Church, New Hartford. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday from 5-8. Those so wishing may make donations to the United Cerebral Palsy in Bernard's memory. The family would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Care Community for all the loving care given to their father.