The Rhode Island Pharmacy community lost a dear friend, pharmacist, entrepreneur, public service leader and beloved family member earlier this week, Anthony J. Solomon.
We extend our condolences to the Solomon family, honor Anthony for his service in the Rhode Island community, and thank him for raising a strong lineage of pharmacists.
Last October, The Rhode Island Pharmacists Association had the honor of awarding Anthony Solomon the Rhode Pharmacists Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
To help celebrate and honor his life, accomplishments and impact on the community, we are sharing his nomination speech, authored and delivered by two of his grandchildren (both pharmacists), Anthony Harrison and Mark Santilli.
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“The Honorable Anthony J. Solomon always had a passion for helping those in need. As a First-generation Lebanese-American, Anthony is a shining symbol to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of what it means to lead by example. He is a pharmacist who uses his gifts and talents to better not only his local community, but also the pharmaceutical community, his church, and his country.
Anthony earned his BS in Pharmacy in 1956 from the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences (RICP). Here is where he met one of his lifelong friends and fellow Kappa Psi brother Norm Campbell. After graduation, he would go on to purchase part of a local pharmacy business where he worked with a loan from his father. This pharmacy became the well-known and resilient Anthony’s Drug Store off Manton Ave in Providence, RI.
His political career began in 1966. While working long hours as a pharmacist (8am to 10pm, 7 days a week), he decided to run against the incumbent for the State Representative. Around this time, he began noticing two lines forming at the pharmacy counter: one filled prescriptions, while the other addressed political issues. Because of his connections at City Hall, people knew he could help them with their problems. When he realized he was successfully managing people’s prescription needs AND addressing their political challenges, that’s when he decided to run for office. He won with what the media termed “Anthony Solomon and his no name army”, due to lack of party endorsements at the time.
In terms of his political career, many significant contribution to RI were made while still owning and operating his pharmacy. In 1976, he ran for State Treasurer, a position held for 12 years, where he was the first Lebanese-American to be a statewide office holder in the US. He became the 5th President of the National Association of State Treasurers in 1980. As for his accomplishments in office, he oversaw the Daycare commission which saw facilities increase from 5 to 51, he implemented and expanded the State’s Unclaimed Property Program which has produced millions of dollars in state revenue over the years, and was tasked with helping to develop the controlled substance policy for RI (with the help of a group of 7-8 people including Norm Campbell), to name a few. He was also the 1985 Bowl of Hygeia award recipient.
In addition to his professional and political accolades, Anthony and his late wife Sarah invested a large part of their time in the Maronite Catholic Church, receiving the Gold Massabki award, which is the higher honor bestowed on NAM members. They were frequently the hosts of many gatherings, the kitchen for events, and fundraising chairs. Their joint passion for the Lebanese Church though large, was not as significant as their passion for family. Anthony and Sarah had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and hundreds of close-knit cousins/aunts/uncles. They were the family that linked 2 large Lebanese populations, Easton, PA and Providence, RI. Anthony’s passion for pharmacy and helping people has rubbed on his family, where his daughter (Donna), 5 out of 8 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews have become pharmacists or healthcare workers.
Anthony Solomon doesn’t know the term “retirement” or “spare time”, as he still goes to Anthony’s Drug Store every day where he continues his civil service as a Notary Public. He truly is a model politician, pharmacist, and Giddo (Arabic for grandfather)!”
See more of his accomplishments here: