Robert Kenneth “Bob” Solomon, loved by many and respected by all who knew him, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after a battle with cancer at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he grew up.

Born on December 12, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, Bob graduated from Fletcher Sr. High and earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Richmond, where he attended on a football scholarship.

Soon after graduation, he moved back home and, with his gregarious personality, went into sales. With his commitment to excellence and relationship building, Bob became one of the most dynamic and respected sales reps in Florida. His reputation for integrity, along with an enduring commitment to his customers, secured his position as CEO and, eventually, as owner of MTS Environmental, which is now one of the nation's leading sales engineering firms. He was also committed to growing young people in the business and brought in strong talent to ensure MTS’s future remained on solid ground after he retired.

To accentuate the extent of his salesmanship and character, Bob wrote a book, “The Building Blocks of Successful Selling,” which was published on Oct 1, 2007. Bob was also a regularly featured speaker at the University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering as well as the University of North Florida for over 10 years and received accolades for his relaxed style, humor, and real-world sales advice.

Everything Bob accomplished in life was done with an enthusiasm and optimism few have ever experienced or witnessed…unless you knew Bob! From the time he was a standout football player at Fletcher High School to his college years at the University of Richmond on a football scholarship, Bob was living proof that linebackers are born and coached to be the best they can be with the fire God put inside them. As a player and as a coach, his passion was passed on to the many kids, whom he not only coached but also mentored over 25 years in youth football.

From Jacksonville Beach Pop Warner, he coached many great teams and kids who went on to prestigious college football careers. Later, Bob was instrumental in forming the Pablo Creek Saints for kids who lived on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway. There he built championship teams, advancing to the Southeast Regional Championship, which is a testament not only to his coaching ability but also even more to his ability to connect with the youth.

Bob, not one to rest or sit idle, was very active up until the fight with cancer began, earning his black belt in Taekwondo in his mid-70s after only 4 years of training. Bob also started learning to play the guitar later in life as well as golf, which he played frequently with his buddies, and on the day he shot his first hole-in-one, when he was buying everyone a round of drinks, he met his future wife.

Bob was a great friend to many and he loved traveling and spending time with his wife, daughters, and their families. He lived his bucket list with annual trips around the world and he fulfilled a lifelong dream to go on safari in Africa. Bob also loved sharing the stories of those trips, which would captivate the audience.

Bob lived his life to the fullest and left nothing unsaid to anyone as he accomplished so much, from being a successful businessman, football coach, surrogate father to hundreds of young men from single-parent homes, dear friend to many, wonderful father, outstanding grandfather, and loving husband. Bob was a man who left his mark on this world that will be remembered for many years to come.

The family expresses appreciation to the many friends and healthcare providers who cared for him throughout his illness. In lieu of a memorial, they ask to donate to foundations that support the cure for cancer or Pop Warner, a non-profit organization to which he gave so much of his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Susan O Solomon; children, Stephanie Rousselle and her husband, Derrick, Julie Cooper and her husband, Andy, and Brian Oliveros. Grandchild, Derrick Rousselle.