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Former Governor Tom Ridge gives the keynote address at the Luzerne County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner.

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Bear Creek Village Mayor Walter Mitchell, left, poses for a photo with Pat Solano.

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Former Secretary of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge said Friday night in Wilkes-Barre there are lessons the Republican Party can take from Patrick Solano that will help the party achieve its goals in November.

Ridge delivered the keynote address and helped honor Solano, of Pittston Township, at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Luzerne County Republican Committee at the Ramada Hotel.

Solano, a former GOP county chairman and longtime party worker, received the first Henry Hoyt Lifetime Achievement Award. Solano was recognized for his decades of service to the Republican Party, both on the local and state levels.

“Public service is something I’ve devoted my life to and so has Pat,” Ridge said. Solano, who has worked with several governors, including Ridge, has committed himself to making a difference and helping others, he added.

Ridge spoke about some of the things he learned from Solano.

“It’s not about me. It’s about them. It’s about a bigger issue – about the kind of governance we want,” he said.

Solano, 84, is married to the former Marie Nocito.

The couple has six daughters: Mary Pat Augello, Cathy Solano, Anita Bubul, Rita Zarra, Anne Branley and Elizabeth Blaskiewicz.