Norbert "Googie" Smolen of Brookfield, Ohio, died at 11:18 PM Saturday (1-24-2009) in the Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, following an extended illness. He was 81. Mr. Smolen was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1927, a son of Frank and Mary (Barshick) Smolen. Googie attended Sharon High School, where he was a Sharon Tiger Mascot, and left prior to graduation to serve his country in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. Following his time in the service, he was proud to graduate high school, and obtain his Bachelor's Degree in Education, Industrial Arts, from Kent State University. He furthered his education by receiving his Master's Degree in Education from Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Mr. Smolen became an Industrial Arts Teacher and was an Equipment Manager under the direction of Head Football Coach Tony Mason, Brookfield. He went on to teach shop and Driver's Education in Hubbard, and retired from Mineral Ridge High School as a Principal. While at Mineral Ridge, Googie helped organize the Ski Club at the school. He was a member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church, where he was a former Sunday School Teacher; Optimist Club, Hubbard; Brookfield Township Volunteer Fire Department; Shenango Valley Boat Club; Coast Guard Auxilliary of Ohio; Trumbull County Retired Teachers Association; F&AM Jerusalem Lodge, Hartford; Scottish Rite, New Castle; Royal Arch Masons, where he was a High Priest, Hartford; and the Order of the Eastern Starr, Hartford. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, playing the organ, and making jewelry. Survivors include: his wife, Bernielou "Snookie" (Long) Smolen, whom he married August 21, 1948; his son, Larry F. Smolen & his wife Donna, Columbus, OH; his granddaughter, Chrystal Christopher & her husband Joshua; his siblings, Kurt Smolen, Sierra Vista, AZ, Gloria Hubicz, Sharpsville, PA, Raymond "Tootsie" Smolen, Northfield Center, OH, and Rose Marie "Babe" Mott, Boardman, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother, Mark Smolen. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday (01-29-2009) at the Lane Funeral Homes, Madasz Chapel, Brookfield, with Rev. Bill Johnson, Pastor. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM with a Masonic Service at 8:45 PM. Burial will be in Brookfield Township Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions can be made to the church. Family & Friends can send condolences to www.madaszchapel.com.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
7:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)
Lane Funeral Homes
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Lane Funeral Homes
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Starts at 12:30 pm (Eastern time)
Brookfield Township
Visits: 2
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors