In Loving Memory of Allan Frank Solomon 1939 – 2026
Allan Frank Solomon passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply, in his Orlando, Florida home. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was also a mentor to the thousands of campers and staff members who came of age under his watch and leadership at Camp Coleman.
A Life of Purpose and Leadership
Born in Conway, South Carolina, Allan grew up with a love of the outdoors and camping. Summers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Camp Brant Lake in Brant Lake, New York, planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong calling. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.
In 1964, he settled in Miami, where he was named the Director of UAHC Camp Coleman, located in the North Georgia mountains, and Regional Director of SEFTY (Southeast Federation of Temple Youth). For the next 25 years, he created a safe summer home for thousands of campers and dedicated staff members, helping to build one of the most beloved Jewish sleep away camps in the country.
The Legend of Uncle Smiley
Running a summer camp demands patience, authority, creativity, and heart — often all at once. Allan commanded the role with a legendary balance of sternness, kindness, and unwavering fairness. That balance, along with his distinctive voice and dry wit, earned him his nickname, “Uncle Smiley.”
His real skill, he said, and greatest talent was recruiting exceptional staff members. This certainly rings true to the hundreds of Colemanites who credit Allan and their summer experiences to their personal and professional success.
The “Coleman Spirit” he fostered created countless friendships, deep connections, and even marriages - thus today, there are generations who carry that spirit deep in their hearts.
A Devoted Family Man
Allan’s most treasured legacy was his family. He was a loving husband to his wife Judith Botwick Solomon for 48 years. He was an engaged and devoted father to his four children — Loren Solomon, Andrew (Lesley) Solomon, Hilary (Martin) Dempsey, and Leslie (Jared) Weiner and an adoring Pop Pop to his grandchildren - Gillian, Allison, Sarah, Laura, Alyssa and Jacob.
Allan was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Edith Solomon and his brother, Jerome.
Since his passing, the family has appreciated hearing from decades of campers and staff sharing stories about Allan — funny, heartfelt, and profound. These are the truest testament to who he was.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Allan F. Solomon Scholarship Fund, Camp Coleman, Cleveland, GA.
A Celebration of Life for Allan will be held 5:00 - 7:30 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the home of his daughter Leslie & Jared Weiner with a service at 7:30 PM with Rabbi Rachael Jackson of Congregation of Reform Judaism officiating. May Allan rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.
Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.
