Thomas Solheim

    Thomas Solheim, a Navy veteran who worked at the Montauk I.G.A. for many years, was found dead at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Montauk last Thursday. The cause of death has not been determined. He was 56.

    He was born on Dec. 28, 1956, on Staten Island, a son of John and Gladys Ford. Mr. Ford survives and lives in Montauk.

    Mr. Solheim served as a gunner’s mate in the Navy for 19 years. Two years ago he was arrested in Montauk and implicated in the 1992 murder of James Horton, a fellow sailor, in South Carolina. At the time, Mr. Solheim’s friends and fellow workers at the I.G.A. expressed shock at the arrest. Charles Welty, another sailor, subsequently confessed to the crime.

    In addition to his father, Mr. Solheim is survived by three brothers, Stanley Solheim of Florida, Randy Solheim of Staten Island, and John Ford of Staten Island, and a sister, Debra Medina of New Jersey. He leaves a number of nieces and nephews.

    Mr. Solheim was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux, where a funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday. Burial followed at Fort Hill Cemetery in Montauk. Memorial contributions were suggested for the church, 55 Etna Avenue, Montauk 11954.