Alexander J. Smolenski

Alexander J. Smolenski ScotiaAlexander J. Smolenski, 85 of Scotia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Alexander was born on June 27, 1928, in New London, Connecticut. He was the son of the late Alexander and Stacia Smolenski and was a graduate of New London High School. Alexander spent four years in the Navy and was honorably discharged after proudly serving as an Electrician aboard the U.S.S. Albany CA-123 and the U.S.S. New Jersey BB-62 during the Korean War. He remained dedicated to his country and was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and The American Legion Scotia Post 1001. Alexander spent a brief period as a New York State Trooper before becoming a senior draftsmen for the General Electric Company. He received two patents in the field of Power Generation for Turbine Engineering before retiring at the age of 67. He met and married his wife, Barbara Kopa, of Scotia, New York, in 1955. He was a great outdoors man and enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of the Rotterdam Gun and Game Club as well as the National Rifle Association. He was an avid reader who was interested in a variety of topics ranging from politics, history, nature and the environment. He also enjoyed exercising, particularly walking and swimming. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Barbara Smolenski, who passed away on April 28, 2014. Survivors include his three children, Linda (Matthew) McGinley, Diana Smolenski, and Alexander J. (Claire) Smolenski Jr.; as well as three grandchildren, Alaina McGinley, Alexander Smolenski III, and Laura Smolenski. He is also survived by his sister, Stacia Redden; sister-in-law, Janice Smolenski, and niece and nephews, Karen Danyla Hunt, Alex and Robert Redden, and Andrew, Paul, and Mark Smolenski. Alexander will be entombed at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.