Bernard "Bunny" Solomon

Bernard "Bunny" Solomon (17 March 1923 – 19 October 2006) was an agent of change for sports at Northeastern University, an active Democratic appointed to multiple government positions, and an executive vice president of Bank of New England Corp.

Solomon was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on March 17, 1923. The nickname "Bunny" came from when he came home from the hospital a relative commented that he looked like a little bunny. His parents were Samuel and Lillian Solomon and his brother was Jack Solomon He was a graduate of Brookline Public Schools and the former vice president of Young Democrats of Massachusetts. He was one of the Brookline's leading progressives. During World War II, he served for three and a half years with the 8th Armored Division. He attended Harvard University, Northeastern University, Shrivenham American University of England (part of the G.I. American Universities) and University of Illinois. He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and a member of the Brookline Town Meeting since 1950. In 1957, he married Jolane Baumgartern of New York. Jane was an instructor and researcher at Harvard School of Public Health. In 1987, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Massachusetts for his work as Chairman of the University's Building Authority.

Governor Foster Furcolo appointed Bernard to Commissioner and State Purchasing Agent in 1958 at age 34 after serving as his special assistant. He became the youngest state purchasing agent in the country and took over from Major George Cronin, who had served for 34 years. His previous business experience included working as the president of Samuel Solomon, Inc., a manufacturing firm in Boston, which he was responsible for purchasing $400,000 worth of equipment annually. As State Purchasing Agent, he saved the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by improving operating efficiency and taking advantage of purchasing rock salt at special provisions in transportation rates. In 1960 and 3 years left in his term remaining, he left his job as the purchasing agent to work at Stop & Shop Companies as the Vice President for Government and Community Affairs. He continued as a part-time member of the emergency finance board. Later, he was named executive vice president of Bank of New England Corp. after the Bank of New England Corp's merger with the Conifer Group, which Solomon's previous employer, Patriot Bank, had belonged to. At that time he was also vice chairman of Brookline Parks & Recreation Commission, on the board of trustees at Northeastern University, and a trustee of The Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Boston. He served as a trustee and secretary/treasurer of the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, which led to an honorary degree. His retirement from the Bank of New England was in 1990.

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