DATE: Monday, August 4, 1997                TAG: 9708040002

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B6   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   53 lines

JACK R. SALOMONSKY

Jack Roderick Salomonsky, 81, of the 100 block of Ridgeley Road, died Aug. 1, 1997, at the DePaul Medical Center, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Mr. Salomonsky was a Norfolk native and the son of the late Benjamin F. and Helene S. Salomonsky and the brother to the late Meyer B. Salomonsky. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was decorated for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge. As a master watchmaker during World War II, he often jested that he kept the war running on schedule. His love of horology was an integral part of his vocation until the early part of this decade.

Mr. Salomonsky was the second generation to operate B.F. Salomonsky and Sons Inc. Jewelers and Designers, established 1908. As president of the firm, he set about the task of changing the business from a manufacturer to that of a retailer whose focus would be that of purveying only superior products. He was proud of his personal designs, as well as his watch restorations, knowing that he was creating heirlooms and memories for the many customers to whom he referred as friends.

As Jack was quick to boast of his designs, he was equally as modest about helping and donating to those in need. Of particular pride, was his participation in the Shrine Circus Daddies Club. The tenet of this charity, to which he helped found, was to send underprivileged children to the annual Shrine Circus, to give joy to those who otherwise could not afford to attend. Jack was also proud to serve as secretary of the Downtown Norfolk Association. His love of the City of Norfolk placed him on many ad hoc committees, and always served with pride and distinction. Being an active member in local politics whet his appetite for politics in general, and was always vocal, through his written correspondences, to our elected officials. It was a badge of honor for him to become ``pen pals'' with so many - whether or not he agreed with their point of view.

Mr. Salomonsky was a graduate of Maury High School, attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, the Elgin Watch College, and took courses from the Gemological Institute of America. He was a member of Norfolk Masonic Lodge (NU)1, where he was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Khedive Shrine Temple and also of the local 4-H Club.

Survivors include his wife, of almost 57 years, Adrian Hawkins Salomonsky; a daughter, Linda S. Land and her husband, Edward of Norfolk; a son, Ben F. Salomonsky and his wife, Maxine of Virginia Beach; and two grandsons, John Ryan Salomonsky and Britt Edward Land.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Shriners Crippled Childrens Hospital. The family will receive friends at the Salomonsky residence following the service. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk, will be handling the arrangements KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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