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ROBERT SMOLEN Obituary
ROBERT LEE SMOLEN MajGen, USAF (Ret.)
Of Clifton, VA on May 18, 2014, died at the age of 62. Loving husband of nearly 40 years to Adriane Smolen; caring father of Mandy, Robert Lee II "Robby," and Emily Smolen; dear son of Gladys and the late Leo A. Smolen; also leaves his beloved dogs Angus and Phoebe. Robert proudly served in the United States Air Force for 33 years, retiring as a Major General. He spent the last six years as a Senior National Security Fellow for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. Some of his favorite past times were scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with his closest friends and family. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 23, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Memorial Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA. A reception to celebrate Robert's life will follow immediately at the Ft. Myer Officer's Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Robert's memory to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (www.fallenheroesfund.org) or the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (www.aamds.org). Services are under the direction of the Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA. www.demainefunerals.com
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT SMOLEN
Wim van der Linden
May 1, 2015
Dear Adriane,
Maybe you will remember me, Wim van der Linden from Brussels Belgium (NATO), now after my retirement living already 17 years in Thailand. We were guest in your house a few times and Bob was during his NATO Brussels trips many times our guest.
I just have seen on the internet that Bob past away last year April. A shock because I was trying via internet to get in contact with you both again after so many years.
May I express our condolences also for Robby and Emily. My wife Ankie also passed away about 10 years ago.
Wim van der Linden
205/25 the Laguna home Moo 2 (Phase 1)
50210 Chiang Mai Thailand
Email: [email protected]
Joe Logan
October 22, 2014
We served with Bob and Adriane while stationed at Randolph AFB Tx and Osan AB Korea. They were all about doing the best for others. I am sure he is serving a new mission for The Lord and is getting the house ready for Adriane when that time comes. Sure that everyone who knew him is saddened by his passing. What a great individual he was. I enjoyed my time of service with him immensely. Makes me appreciate the memories I have of him even more. He was a unique and talented person. I would follow him into battle.
Col Joe Logan
Mary Juliar (Cantu)
September 14, 2014
Emily,
I was thinking about you the other day and just now found out that your father had passed away in May. My deepest condolences go out to you and your whole family. I remember you talking about how you and your dad would go out to places/hang out together and it inspired me to have a closer relationship with my dad too. Thank you for that. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you all always.
June 6, 2014
Adriane, Robby, Mandy, and Emily. We were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bonnie and Bill Rote
LTC Rodger E. Burkley (USAF ret, Allegheny Class of 74)
Rodger Burkley
June 4, 2014
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Adrian and the Smolen family. What a loss. Our thoughts are with you and Bob.
Barry & Lucy Hess
June 3, 2014
Adriane, We just heard about Bob. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Sanders
May 30, 2014
Dear Gladys, Adriane, Mandy, Robby and Emily, Marylyn, Ron and I are so saddened to learn of Bob's passing. What a valiant fight he fought. We send our love to each of you and prayers up to Heaven for comfort and strength. A part of our hearts are with you. Love, Ruth "Poogie" Hastings Sanders
David Carter
May 30, 2014
Adriane, I'm so sorry and surprised to hear of Bob's passing. He was still young and seemed very strong. I know you'll miss him terribly. I think he had a good life and a wonderful family.
Dave Carter
Dick Arthur
May 28, 2014
Adriane, I am sorry to hear this news and hope the best for your family in the future. Bob lived a good life. It was good to be part of his life in the days we spent together in Scouts, at Knoch and at Allegheny.
May 27, 2014
Dear Adriane and Family,
Tammy and I are sadden to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great friend and mentor and he'll be missed. When I look back at my AF career and the great leaders I served with, General Smolen is at the top of the list. God bless you and the family.
Tom and Tammy Smoot (Knoxville, TN)
May 27, 2014
Was this the Bob Smolen that graduated Knoch High School?
Jennifer Garcia, TSgt, AF Veteran
May 24, 2014
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. General Smolen was an amazing person and mentor. I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to be part of your family as his Enlisted Aide at AFDW.
May 24, 2014
Adriane and family, Sandra and I are so sorry to learn of Bob's passing. We have many fond memories of your family. Do you remember the lake outing in our boat? I was towing the kids on the tube and Bob bet I could not flip him. I did flip him, but he did not spill his beer. I still have the putter he made and presented to me at my retirement dinner. He was one of the most professional officers I had the pleasure of knowing and serving with. We send our deepest sympathy.
CMSgt (Ret) Bobby and Sandra Renfroe
Carl & Irene Divers & family
May 24, 2014
Dear Adriane & family,
Our thoughts, prayers, & love are with you. May God bless & comfort you all.
Stacy Williams
May 24, 2014
Mandy, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I know it's hard but if he's responsible for the woman you are then heaven gained an angel. Stay strong. Xoxo
Kathy Diez
May 24, 2014
Emily, I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. I'm sure he was a wonderful man whose legacy will live on in you & your family. Cherish the special memories that are in your heart. Love & prayers, Kathy Diez
Jessica Graham
May 23, 2014
Emily-
I met your dad once when he came to visit you in Washington. He was such a generous man and was always there to look after his youngest daughter. I know how much you loved him and how much he was such a part of your everyday life. Imparting for you and your family on this day and everyday from now on! May he rest in peace! Love Jessica
Lisa Huntley
May 23, 2014
To the Smolen Family, I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Bob through a business relationship and he was one of the kindest, smartest, most courteous businessmen I knew. I am deeply saddened at your loss and want you to know that it is a loss for many. His influence reached far and wide and he was held in great esteem. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and yours at this time. May God Bless You.
Les and Patsy Coalson
May 23, 2014
My family was blessed to meet Bob and Adriane in the early 90's at Randolph AFB. We kept in touch over the years, and Bob helped round out my second novel when it came to a scuba diving scene. I have never met a more optimistic, caring, positive-thinker in my life. He has influenced me in so many ways, helping me to become a better person, more understanding of how our government works (he was in the Air Force Liaison Office with Congress), and more appreciative of life. I know his Spirit will continue to influence our lives. Thank you, Bob and Adriane
Rod Miller
May 23, 2014
Smolen Family,
Words can not express my grief for the loss of such a great man and mentor. Bob was an ever-present part of my Air Force life and we will miss him. I pray daily for your healing following this tragedy and will do the only thing I can think Bob would want following his loss--live his ideals of engaged, caring leadership to those God entrusts each of us with!
With sympathy,
Col Michelle Ryan
May 23, 2014
Adriane, Sean and I are so sorry for your loss. Gen Smolen was a dear friend, mentor and officer. I learned so much from him during my two assignments working for him. I know I am a better officer and person having known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dr. Dan DeForest
May 22, 2014
Mrs. Smolen and family,
Bob was a staunch Air Force and technical officer advocate, even in retirement. His direct actions when I was a Colonel and he was on the Air Staff set me on a career path where I am now a Senior Executive civilian. I counted his as a good friend and will sorely miss him.
Dr. Dan DeForest
May 22, 2014
Mrs. Smolen and family, Gen Smolen was a staunch Air Force and technical officer advocate, who continued to work for a better Air Force in retirement. He had a dramatic, positive impact on my life. Because of his direct actions when I was a Colonel, I began a career path on a different level that has me now as a Senior Executive civilian. I counted him as a good friend and will sorely miss him.
May 22, 2014
Mrs Smolen So sorry for yours and our loss. He was a great officer for us enlisted folks to look up to. I remember our days at Randolph when he was only a Lt Col. He once told me he would never make O-6. I guess he them.
My best to you and your family.
Gerry Halasz
Selma,TX
Dave Hallahan
May 22, 2014
Adriane, Mrs. Smolen, and family:
I will always appreciate and be thankful for what Bob has done for me over the years. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Ronald Heakins
May 22, 2014
Adriane, I am so sorry. I know you lost your soul mate. Vicki R. posted a nice prayer on my Facebook page, I hope you have a chance to read it. I am disappointed that I will be unable to attend the services. My payers go out to you and your family.
Marcelyn Atwood
May 22, 2014
A true mentor and gentleman who led us with insight and grace. I will miss him.
Carla Jung
May 22, 2014
Amanda, words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. I have loved hearing stories about your father over the years and I know how much you adored him. He raised an exceptonal woman and clearly lived an incredibly successful and full life. My prayers go out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Kasey Jul 2013
Kasey Lee
May 22, 2014
Deepest sympathy to you and your family !
I am a Bob's Korean brother since 1993.
I was his house last July and he was OK and gave me tour of DC . I cried all nightlong loss of my brother Bob. All your Korean brothers never forget you and you was one of the great brother and friend of us. we will remember you forever Brother Bob !!!!!
Barry & Carolyn Shames Shames
May 21, 2014
What a great man. Soldier, friend, husband, brother, father. A heart as big as the ocean that never knew a stranger and always willing to help. I will always remember his warm smile and the amazing fishing trip we had in Alaska. I am proud to say that Bob Smolen was my friend and he has passed too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Smolen family. May God help guide you through these difficult times. RIP General Bob.
May 21, 2014
To the Smolen family: my and my family's condolences and prayers are with you and Bob's entire family. I was a fraternity brother of Bob at Allegheny, three years ahead of him--same class as Jordan Shames. I was surprised to learn of his illness and stunned at its rapidity. Please accept my prayers for God's peace during this time for all of you.
May 21, 2014
Deepest sympathy for you and your family. My parents lived across from Bob's parents on Beacon Rd (George & Vera Skinder). Embrace all his wonderful memories. Praying for you during such a difficult time. Terri Skinder Singer. Butler pa.
Dan Mindling
May 21, 2014
My condolences. I was a high school classmate in Herman Pennsylvania. Dan Mindling
Brian Coscia
May 21, 2014
Adriane, Nancy and I send our prayers and love to you and the family. We wish we could be there to help comfort you through your pain. I pray that God's peace will comfort you and His joy fill your heart of lifetime of memories. I will never forget the few scuba dives we shared in Florida. Uncle Bob will be missed. All our love.
John and Susan Thomas
May 21, 2014
dearest Adrienne, so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful man whom with have had the pleasure of knowing all these years. You and your family are in our prayers. God will see you through this difficult time. John and Susan Thomas Butler, PA
John Embroski
May 21, 2014
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am a retired
Air Force Chief Master Sargent and proud to say we were
both born in Lyndora, Pa. I followed his career closely. I knew
his dad well and know he was very proud of his son. He put Lyndora PA on the map.
Ted and Dana (McDonald) Haas
May 21, 2014
Adriane
Ted and I are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We shall always remember those care-free days of high school and his wonderful smile and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and with Gladys..
June Bronder Tray
May 21, 2014
A great person i met over 40 years ago.
Eddy Quijano
May 21, 2014
Adriana, "Officer and Gentleman" are insufficient to capture the fine man Bob was. He was bright, personable, affable, caring, unselfish and a true friend to so many of us who were fortunate to have served with him on the American National Red Cross Board of Governors. I send my sincere sympathies and condolences to you and your family on Bob's passing.
May 21, 2014
My sincere and deepest condolences to the Smolen family. You lost a Husband, Father, and I lost a friend. Bobby and I served in SAF/LL in the early 80s. I am glad I got the chance to serve with such a truly professional who loved the Air Force. Rest in Peace my Friend!
Les Henderson
TSGT, USAF (Ret)
May 21, 2014
To all the Smolen family.My prayers are with all of you.What a shock! I'm sure his godmother is with him. Barbara Terbovich Scholle Pittsburgh
May 21, 2014
Adriane...My family is heartbroken for your loss...your husband was kind enough to mentor my son upon his enlistment into the Air Force and would like to thank him for having been a guiding light with his words of encouragement and service. We will miss this from him...God bless you and you family during this difficult time. Ann Hemmes Potter
Linda Haller Hemmes
May 21, 2014
There are not words to express my profound sorrow at the loss of such a stellar human being. I was proud to know Bob, even more proud of his exemplary service and can only pray that memories of this remarkable man will bring a measure of peace to his beloved family and all who knew him.
May 21, 2014
Adriane,
We are very sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. There were no two better men than the Smolen brothers. I was lucky to call Bob my friend.
Keefe and Mona Morabito (Cape Coral, FL)
Rick Grinnan
May 21, 2014
Adriane, I'm so sorry to hear about Bob's death. We had a fun time on The Red Cross Board of Governor's and his many trips to San Antonio as you know. My Prayers are with you and your fun and loving family.
Susan Heflebower
May 21, 2014
Adriane, Chuck and I are so sorry to hear this tragic news. Bob was such a great guy. We, the Air Force community and his many friends will miss him. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Susan
Marsha Santella
May 21, 2014
My most sincere and deepest sympathy to you & your Family, It was an Honor to have known Bob. You are & will continue to be in my thoughts & prayers.
Reb Benson
May 21, 2014
Adriane, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Bob had a gift of connecting with folks and with leadership, he will be missed by many and rejoiced in Heaven!
May 21, 2014
Adriane...so sorry for your loss...Bob Stutz
Don Robbins
May 21, 2014
My family and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Gen Smolen was very dear to us. He was a leader in every sense of the word. A dear friend, mentor and role model. Shelley, Samuel, Hannah and I are deeply saddened by his passing and your loss. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
May 20, 2014
You are still my HERO..Pat Mro, Cabot,Pa
Terry and Jerry Jakovac
May 20, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the family. Was shocked to hear of Bob's death since I was not aware that he was ill
Sandra Simpson
May 20, 2014
Adriane, Gladys and family- So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. Way to young! Thoughts and prayers with everyone!!!!!
May 20, 2014
Dear Adrian, Aunt Gladys and family. Debbie and I are very saddened by the loss of Bob. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers at this time. We Love you all. God Bless...........Dennis & Debbie Smolen
May 20, 2014
Adrianne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish there was some way for me to ease the pain of your loss. It seems that time slips through our hands and we never get to see our hopes and dreams come to fruition. I hope and pray that you can look back and experience some wonderful memories. I also hope you can look forward and experience a joy and a feeling of an all encompassing love from your children who are the amazing by product of the shared love that you and Bob knew. Every time you look at your children may you find the peace and love that is the result of the love you and Bob shared. You and your family are in my prayers. If you need any thing please feel comfortable in calling on me even if it is only to talk. You and your family are in my prayers.
Tami Stukey
May 20, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of Gen Smolen's loss. He was an amazing, officer who knew how to make things happen for good. His passion for the mission was exemplary. We will miss his intellect, sense of humor, and commitment so very much. Tami Stukey (part of the AF/A5XP Panther family)
Dexter Street
May 20, 2014
To the Smolen Family, Unfortunately, I have not seen Bob since graduating from Knoch High together. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Please be comforted in the fact that my family will be praying for all of you.
Dexter W. Street, OD and Family
Ron and Donna Christie
May 20, 2014
Adrienne,Gladys and family--- you have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Gvozd
May 19, 2014
To the family members: We are very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Jackie Gvozd
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