Irene Solari Fantin

January 01, 1970

Irene Solari Fantin
November 15, 1933 – August 27, 2023
On Sunday, August 27th, Irene was called to her heavenly home.
Irene was born in Pesariis, a small town in the Friuli region of Italy on November 15, 1933. At the age of 3, Irene and her family left Italy to live in Sydney, Australia. When Irene was 7, her father passed away and the family remained in Australia until 1947, when they decided to relocate to the United States in the Pittsburgh area where Irene’s uncles lived.

Irene graduated with honors from Westinghouse High School in 1952. She became a stenographer and eventually went to work as an Executive Secretary for the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company.
In the summer of 1958, Luciano Fantin asked Irene to dance at a Val Pesarina Italian picnic which began their courtship, and one year later, they were married in August,1959. In 1961, Irene and Luciano started their family by welcoming their first child and in 1965, Irene and Luciano launched Fantin Flooring, a successful business that has employed many family members and friends. The business continues today under the leadership of their son, Michael.
Irene was devoted to her faith and her family. She’ll be remembered as not only being a wonderful cook, but also for keeping a spotless and welcoming home. She was best known for her signature dishes of Eggplant Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, Homemade Chicken Soup and her magnificent Thanksgiving feasts. Irene and Luciano enjoyed dancing and listening to polka music throughout their married lives.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Luciano, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage here on Earth. Irene was the loving mother of Louise Hahn (Bill), Michael Fantin (Janine), the late Mirra Gavran (surviving spouse Richard) and John Fantin (Michael). She was preceded in death by her brothers Arteo and Dolso Solari. Irene is the proud grandmother of Christopher, Nicole, Natalie, Emily, Isabel, Benjamin and Grace and great-grandmother to Landon. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Thursday, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, North Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sts. John and Paul Church, St.Luke the Evangelist Parish on Friday at 10:30 AM. Following Mass, there will be a funeral procession to The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Mirra Gavran Memorial Fund, c/o Patrick Lawlor, Lawlor & Lawlor, 979 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.