A father and son who died in a house fire in Ocean Grove on Monday morning are being remembered as kind souls who were an active part of the community.
Paul Solo, 90, and son David, 57, died when their Powell St West two-storey weatherboard house was gutted by a horrific fire around 4am on Monday.
One body was found in a bedroom and the other body was found in a bathroom.
It is believed the house contained an open fireplace that was regularly used.
Paul Solo was a former primary school teacher and much-loved member of the community. He was an amateur historian and had many books and artefacts.
David Solo had an extensive vinyl record collection estimated by one neighbour to be “in the hundreds if not thousands”.
The two were inseparable and were regularly seen walking around town.
David had been Paul’s full-time carer for some time.
They had been a part of the Ocean Grove community since the 1970s regularly attending St Peter’s Anglican Church.
“They were both unconditionally kind and generous of heart,” one neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said.
“They were both friendly and lovely souls. They would talk to anyone.
“They were both sweet and caring – neither of them would have hurt a fly. Everyone is just devastated.”
The fatal fire was the second in Ocean Grove in six weeks. In July, Dawn Webster died in a house fire on Arcturus Road.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
