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Friday, June 29, 2012

Major General Robert L. Smolen ~ Knoch '70


Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, who grew up in Butler, oversees the nation's arsenal of nuclear weapons. He is the deputy administrator for defense programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. He sees to the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile and the readiness to test and develop new warheads, if required. 
† 18 May 2014

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wasn't there a Smolens bar on Hansen ave? Kin I wonder??

Anonymous said...

Yes, there was a Smolen's bar on Hansen. The owner had, IIRC, two sons that would have been around the general's age, but I cannot say for sure if they are related.

Anonymous said...

Yes they are related ..... known him all my life ...great person and family friend!

Anonymous said...

I remember him as a kid. He was always the kid with M80's and 1/4 sticks of dynamite. Always blowing things up around the neighborhood. We would tell him not to light fires and explosives near gas cans and oily rags but he would just say "aw come on, it's not a big deal." He loved watching things explode--he'd make an excuse for any reason to see destruction.

He was a good kid, and a great man for the job.

Anonymous said...

Bob graduated from Knoch HS in 1970. He had a brother (Jim) who I graduated with in 1973. Jim is now deceased and their father owned Smolen's Bar. They lived on Beacon Road near the Butler Country Club

Anonymous said...

We miss you already <3
By Bob Smolen Family — May 18, 2014 2:43pm

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bob Smolen today at 2:38pm. Bob was an amazing husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor and the list goes on. He has come into all our lives and I know touched our hearts and had amazing impact on each and every one of us. He will be missed.

Our family will be sending all the details for the funeral soon. Thanks again for everyone who has been part of this journey with us. Bob was taken too soon but his legacy will out live us all <3

Love always,
Bob Smolen Family xoxo

Anonymous said...

We miss you already <3
By Bob Smolen Family — May 18, 2014 2:43pm

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bob Smolen today at 2:38pm. Bob was an amazing husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor and the list goes on. He has come into all our lives and I know touched our hearts and had amazing impact on each and every one of us. He will be missed.

Our family will be sending all the details for the funeral soon. Thanks again for everyone who has been part of this journey with us. Bob was taken too soon but his legacy will out live us all <3

Love always,
Bob Smolen Family xoxo

Anonymous said...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bobsmolen

Robinsons said...

Thoughts and prayers from Knoch classmates and Penn Twp neighbor