José E Solano y Carrasquillo

José Eugenio Solano y Carrasquillo was born in New York City to Julio and Dolores Solano. As a boy, José already showed signs of being an independent thinker. He would sometimes play hooky from school, preferring to study the animals at the Bronx Zoo while dreaming of becoming a zoologist. At twelve, he began his lifelong devotion to flamenco performance, studying with some of the finest guitarists in New York at the time. His most prized possession was his 50-year-old Sobrinos de Domingo Esteso guitar. As a teenager, José enjoyed studying the works of C.G. Jung under his desk rather than listening to the teacher, but managed to pass his classes without much trouble. He continued his independent zoological studies, raising homing pigeons on the roof of his tenement building. After graduating college, José travelled extensively through Central and South America, igniting his lifelong love of travel. He shared that love with his family and Spanish students, leading trips to Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Highlights of the trips were birding adventures and visits to ancient ruins. Being bilingual, José completed a special teacher-training program through the City University of New York, then taught for decades from 6th grade through community college. Though mostly in demand as a Spanish teacher, José preferred to teach history. He was fascinated by pre-Columbian studies, ancient history, and the archaeology that informs the field. His other interests included opera, chess, and theological studies. José married Jill Diana Greene in 1973. In 1978 they escaped the big city and moved to Oregon. He loved life in the country, raising pygmy goats as well as his prize-winning pigeons. He continued his teaching career, taught flamenco guitar, and established the Arte Flamenco Dance Company, performing and collaborating with artists in the Portland area. Jill and José divorced in 1993. José married Bernadette Kelly in 1995. He moved to the coast with his family in 2002. He was known as a dedicated patron of the arts. He thrived in the role of impresario, bringing talented performers to his coastal communities. José's events ranged from a Cinco de Mayo festival that showcased charro horsemen to presenting jazz musicians, Irish music and dancers, many flamenco performances, and the exquisite sacred music of Capella Romana. Having suffered a series of strokes, José died peacefully at home. He is survived by his wife Bernadette, son Tomás, daughters Maya, Sophia and Isabel, and granddaughters Alexa and Janaé. A faithful believer in the grace and mercy of Christ, he was ready to meet his Maker. Born July 8, 1943 New York, New York- Died January 30, 2022 Newport, Oregon Viewing & Visitation February 8, 2022 11:00am-12:30pm Bateman Funeral Home Newport, Oregon Graveside Service February 8, 2022 1:00pm Eureka Cemetery Newport, Oregon In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mennonite Central Committee, a ministry committed to international relief, development and peace. donate.mcc.org

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José E Solano y Carrasquillo

July 8, 1943 - January 30, 2022