Joel Ezra Solkoff, 74, of Williamsport, PA, passed away Tuesday afternoon at the Gatehouse Hospice in Williamsport.
He was born in New York City, October 12, 1947, the son of Isadore Solkoff and Miriam Pell. He received his B.A. from Columbia University and was a graduate student from Penn State’s Rehabilitation Counseling program.
Among the many things he was passionate about, architecture for him was central in terms of disability rights and affordable housing.
During his life, Joel published three books, “Learning to Live Again: My Triumph Over Cancer”, "The Politics of Food”, and "Handbook for Commissioners, Housing and Redevelopment Officials".
From 1969 – 1990, he was a Speech Writer, Public Affairs Consultant, a Report Writer, a Grant Writer, Journalist and Author in Washington D.C. and New York City. From 1990 – 2001, he was the Senior Technical Writer both in Silicon Valley and Research Triangle Park, NC. From 2001 – 2003, Joel taught basic and intermediate English Composition at Montgomery County Community College in PA.
Joel’s survivors include his two daughters: Joanna Solkoff (Jade Phillips) of Woodbridge, VA and Amelia Blanco (Javier) of San Clemente, CA; four grandchildren: Juliet, Cosette, and Brody Phillips and Jacob Blanco; his sister, Sarah Schmerler, of New York City; and his nephew, Asher Simonson, of New York City.
The funeral will be held at Ohev Sholom Cemetery in Montoursville, PA, at 3 pm on May 5, 2022. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions be made in his name to Beth El Synagogue, 1004 Watts Street, Durham, NC 27701.
May his memory be for a blessing always.
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