Albert Solano

A man of good character, deep faith, and strong work ethic, I am honored to nominate my father Albert Solano, posthumously, into the CF&I Hall of Fame. Albert worked at CF&I for 47 years beginning his career in 1945. He mastered the art and science of setting type on a linotype machine while attending Central High School. By the age of 18, he transferred to the Print Shop where he found a career and beloved colleagues. Albert proudly served on the team to publish the CF&I Blast newspaper. He put his heart and soul into stories that would one day serve as the historical archival record and legacy to his years of service.

A veteran of the US Navy serving our country from 1950 to 1954, at the age of 20, Albert married his sweetheart Celia. Imagine a man of 22 years of age becoming a father to his baby girl with cerebral palsy and special needs. A lesser man would have made different choices. Strength and commitment led him to a lifetime of hard work and belief that CF&I would provide for his family.

Out of his entrepreneurial spirit, Al’s Printshop was born, creating numerous stationaries for a community of patrons.  To support education, he served as the PTA co-chair, volunteered as “Room Father” and library assistant. One of his greatest joys was golfing on the CF&I “Tuesday Night Golf League”.

In days gone by, CF&I offered 13 weeks of vacation to employees with 30+ years of service. Albert and Celia planned the adventure of a lifetime, taking their family in a travel trailer from Pueblo to Mexico City. They shared life lessons of culture, family ancestry, budget, topography, and faith. Albert knew the treasure his work at CF&I afforded him.

In his last years, Albert acquired tongue cancer and lived eight years without solid food. He continued to lead the way for his family demonstrating faith, strength, and courage. An active member of the Knights of Columbus, Albert served as Grand Knight for many years. To honor his contribution, on October 31, 2010, the Shrine of St. Therese named its youth council the Albert Solano Squires Circle.

Daddy walked tall as a retiree and was grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the fabric of CF&I history.

Nomination submitted by Laura Solano