Obituaries
Obituary for Gerhard Salomon
Gerhard Salomon of Emmaus, son of the late Ernest and Emma Salomon passed on to the greater trolley heaven in the sky on Tuesday morning December 18, 2007 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schwanabeck, Germany in 1925 he migrated to the United States on his third birthday in 1928 with his parents and brother Erich, coming directly to Allentown. Being raised in the watch, clockmaker and jewelry trade, it was only natural that he became a partner in the firm of Salomon Jewelers in Allentown. Gerhard spent his life servicing clocks and watches since the early 1940’s Gerhard met Dolores Rautter and married her in 1957. They were together for 41 years until her passing in 1998. Three sons, Carl, Neil and Joel were raised and together as a family, enjoyed many happy vacation trips usually riding and photographing trolleys or trains somewhere along the way. Once the boys were on their own, Gerhard and Dolores continued their many travels to many different destinations still always including trolleys and trains in their trips. Having a lifetime interest in trolley cars and trains, Gerhard was a charter member of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1941, serving as secretary for 25 years, National Director, tour and program coordinator for over 20 years after that. Throughout his life, Gerhard planned and operated many bus tours and railroad trips to many different destinations throughout the country. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Rockhill Trolley Museum, in Rockhill Furnace, PA where he served in various areas over the years. He loved operating trolley cars, whether at the museum or the trolleys from the former Liberty Bell Route, where he was able to become friendly with several motormen on that line. The entire family was also involved in the former Boy Scout Troop 105 from Allentown, PA where Gerhard served as the Troop treasurer for 20 years and participated in the various scouting activities with his sons. Gerhard served in the Army from March 1946 through April 1947. His tour of duty took him to Japan. Surviving family members are sons, Carl of Allentown, Neil and wife Lisa of Lehighton, Joel and wife Debbie, brother Erich and wife Lucy, nephew Rick and his wife Linda all of Allentown, sister Margaret Salomon of Clayton, MO, and niece Jennifer and husband Stan of Forrest Hill MD. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials are requested to be sent to the Rockhill Trolley Museum, P.O. Box 1601, Allentown, PA 18105 or the Lehigh Valley Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, 527 N. Howard St. Allentown, PA 18102, two of Gerhard’s most beloved and treasured organizations. Services will be held on Saturday December 22, 2007 at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104. A calling hour will be from 9:00AM to 11:00AM with a service at 11:00AM. Arrangements by the John H. Brubaker Funeral Home in Catasauqua. Gerhard was not a selfish person when it came to giving time to helping volunteer organizations or others in need of help. Your family and many friends will all miss you!
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