Solo Hermelin was born to Alfred and Clara Hermelin in what was once the USSR. In their pursuit of a better life, Solo's parents fled the country and resettled in Romania, where Solo spent his formative years in the town of Vaslui. His parents even changed his official birthdate to 20th of April, 1946 to ensure their safety during their escape, and that became his official birthday date.

After completing his high school education in 1963, Solo embarked on a new chapter of his life by immigrating to Israel. There, he enrolled in the Technion and pursued his B.Sc studies. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Serina, who would become his lifelong partner.

The onset of the Six-Day War between Israel and its neighboring countries interrupted Solo's studies, and he was enlisted to serve. Solo returned home once the conflict ended and soon after, on the 27th of October, 1968, he married Serina. Their union brought them two sons, Amir and Danny, born in 1973 and 1976, respectively.

In 1968, Solo completed his B.Sc studies, followed by his M.Sc studies in 1971. It was in July of 1974 that he embarked on a remarkable career at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, where he would dedicate nearly 39 years of his life. Solo's time at Rafael proved to be extraordinary, and he rose through the ranks and eventually became the technology field leader for the entire unit. His LinkedIn profile may show only one workplace, but it is filled with a plethora of achievements, accolades, and groundbreaking contributions to missile defense technology.

In pursuit of further knowledge and growth, Solo relocated his family to California in 1983 to study at Stanford University. Between 1983 and 1986, he immersed himself in his studies, earning a PhD in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering. From that time onward Stanford held a special place in Solo's heart, and he relished every opportunity to revisit the campus during his visits to California. He could spend hours in its bookstore and would return with as many books as his suitcase could carry!

Known for his unwavering dedication, tireless work ethic, and resistance to change, Solo's commitment extended beyond his professional life. His marriage with Serina, his chosen career path, and even the family home remained steadfast throughout the decades. He believed in investing deeply and for the long term, a value that stands in contrast to the prevailing ideals of our time.

On August 30, 2015, Solo Hermelin succumbed to a terminal illness, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and remarkable achievements. His memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues, forever inspiring those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A short video of Solo introducing himself before a lecture