Lou and David Solomon following the Sycamore Trust Annual Breakfast, 2015.
Introduction
David Solomon, a distinguished philosopher renowned for his work in virtue ethics and a steadfast advocate for Catholic identity at the University of Notre Dame, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 81. His funeral Mass was celebrated on March 7 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Notre Dame’s campus.
For decades, Solomon stood at the heart of a principled and intellectually formidable vanguard within the faculty opposing the secular drift of the University and calling for a renewed commitment to its Catholic mission. Among those who stood with him were the renowned Thomist and prolific author Ralph McInerny—whose son Dan delivered the eulogy—and Father Bill Miscamble, C.S.C., who presided at the funeral Mass. Along with others who shared their love for Notre Dame and concern for its religious identity, they helped encourage the founding of the Sycamore Trust twenty years ago, offering alumni an organized means to engage in the fight for their alma mater’s Catholic identity.
From the start, he was an unfailing guide in our examination of the Catholic character of this school that he so dearly loved. (Bill Dempsey)
Solomon’s legacy endures—not only through his philosophical contributions, but in the witness of a life dedicated to the integration of faith and reason.
We invite you to listen to Father Miscamble’s homily and Dan McInerny’s eulogy below.
Father Miscamble's Homily
Fr. Bill Miscamble, C.S.C., delivered a moving homily, reflecting on David Solomon’s life as a good man, a devoted scholar, and a loyal friend. In honoring Solomon’s legacy, Fr. Miscamble not only invites us to cherish the gift of Catholic intellectual life and remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth, but also offers a compelling account of the ongoing struggle to preserve Notre Dame’s Catholic identity—told through the life and witness of Solomon himself, who stood at the heart of that effort for decades.
Dan McInerny's Eulogy
Dr. Dan McInerny, professor at Christendom College and son of Ralph McInerny—lifelong friend and colleague of David Solomon—delivered a heartfelt and eloquent eulogy, honoring Solomon as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He reflected on Solomon’s lasting influence as a mentor, scholar, and unwavering defender of the Catholic intellectual tradition. With both personal warmth and philosophical insight, McInerny offered a tribute that captured the love, wisdom, and integrity Solomon shared so generously with all who knew him.
The Funeral
This solemn liturgy honored the life of a devoted Catholic philosopher, mentor, and friend, whose deep commitment to truth and faith shaped generations of students and scholars. May he rest in peace.
The Solomon family is deeply humbled and wishes to convey heartfelt thanks to the many friends, acquaintances and professional associations who have paused their own lives to express their sorrow and fond remembrances in marking David’s passing.
4 Responses
Thank you for sharing these videos of a great man’s funeral. I will reference and recite this quote of David Solomon, from Fr. Miscamble’s homily often:
“Here, under the gaze of that golden statue of Mary, Mother of God, who gives her name to this university, and her protection to its deepest traditions, we cannot but be confident that the Truth will ultimately prevail, indeed triumph, but for that Truth to be recovered in our time, our culture needs a healthy and strong Notre Dame, a Notre Dame unafraid to stand against our unfeeling and narcissistic culture, a Notre Dame prepared to choose Truth over prestige.”
Beautiful ceremony
Hope you get player working soon
Hope the play works soon as waiting to hear.