Herbert Sorrell Soltman

Herbert Sorrell Soltman

SOLTMAN: Herbert Sorrell Soltman passed away on Jan. 22, 2025, at the age of 89. Herb spent his entire life in his beloved hometown of Pittsburgh. Born to Harold and Phyllis (Stewart) Soltman, Herb was raised in Squirrel Hill with two younger brothers, Theodore (Teddy) and Nelson. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1956. He was a proud member of the Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity and the Pitt Marching Band. Later in life, he participated in annual gameday performances with the Pitt Alumni Marching Band. Following graduation, Herb enlisted in the Army and spent 1956-1958 stationed in the Panama Canal Zone where he cultivated a lifelong affection for the people and culture of the country. Herb returned to Pittsburgh to work with his grandfather and father in the family’s wholesale packaging business, Charles Stewart Co. He enjoyed meeting with customers throughout the Pittsburgh area, and relished the conversations and relationships he developed along the way. He married Jo Mitchell in 1961, and they raised two daughters, Debbie and Laurie, in Mt. Lebanon. Herb was a lifelong member of Rodef Shalom Congregation and longtime member of Temple Emanuel. Herb was an enthusiastic ambassador for Pittsburgh. He welcomed, hosted and led city tours for hundreds of international visitors from around the world for the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV), now Global Pittsburgh. In 1960, he was present at Game 7 of the World Series between the Pirates and Yankees, sprinting onto the field at Forbes Field in celebration of Bill Mazeroski’s championship-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. He would celebrate this moment for the remainder of his life, most notably as a member of his cherished “Game 7 Gang,” who organize an event at the Forbes Field wall every Oct. 13 to replay the broadcast of the game and relive the Pirates’ win. Herb was fortunate to have found joy, love and companionship with Hope Bassichis for the past 34 years and had great fondness for her daughter Marni and grandson Henry who loved “Herba.” Herb was an adoring grandfather to his own grandchildren Colby, Madison and Lindsay, and reveled in their stories, photos, calls and visits. He is survived by his daughters Lauren Soltman and Debra (Robert) Geer; three beloved grandchildren, Colby, Madison and Lindsay Geer; brother Nelson (Sharon) Soltman; nephews Daniel (Marie) Soltman and Michael (Pam) Soltman; niece Eileen (Eric) Madson; former spouse Jo Schuman and many extended family. He also leaves behind devoted life partner Hope Bassichis. He was predeceased by his father Harold Soltman, mother Phyllis (Stewart Soltman) Goldstein and brother Theodore Soltman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pirates Charities (115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212); Global Pittsburgh (137 West Bridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15120) or the Phyllis Goldstein and Harold Soltman Memorial Youth Fund (c/o Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213). Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. Visitation one hour prior to services (1 – 2 p.m.). Interment West View Cemetery. schugar.com PJC

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