Robert E. Nolan

Robert E. Nolan Jr. of Clarks Summit died on Thursday at Mercy Hospice, after a brief illness. He and his wife, the former Ann O'Neill, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in October.

Born in Scranton, on Dec. 28, 1929, to the late Robert E. and Daisy W. Nolan, he graduated from Scranton Preparatory School as a member of the first graduating class in 1947, and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering in 1951. He was a partner of Bellante, Clauss, Miller and Nolan. In 1962, he received Parade Magazine's National Award for "The Best Designed Highway in America" for his work on Interstate 81 between Dunmore and East Benton. Later, he served as president of RENDON Corp. and PARCO Development Co. Bob was devoted to the continuous growth and improvement of the Scranton area and dedicated much of his time to that cause in roles such as chairman of Montage Inc. and chairman and vice chairman of the board of trustees of Marywood University and the University of Scranton, respectively. He served as president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, was on the board of directors of Scranton National Bank and First Eastern Bank and was a member of the Clarks Summit Municipal Authority. He also held various leadership roles with the United Way, the Scranton-Lackawanna Jewish Federation, Hospice of Pennsylvania, Catholic Social Services and Knights of Columbus. He served as president of the Lehigh Valley Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was very proud to be a member and past president of the Lackawanna County Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. A well-known and respected businessman and civic leader, Bob was recognized with several awards, including Scranton Prep's "The Rev. T. Donald Rinfret, S.J., Award," the Americanism Award by the Amos Lodge B'nai B'rith and the Marywood presidential medal. He was a member of the Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green and the Country Club of Scranton.

He is survived by six children, Nancy and husband, Lee Rosenbluth, Bryn Mawr; Robert E. Nolan III, Rochester, N.Y.; Mariclare Basalyga, North Wales; Kathy and husband, Shawn Barrett, Clarks Summit; Patti and husband, Martin Greenberg, Bryn Mawr; and Peggy and husband, Joe Tripp, Falls Church, Va.; along with seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael; and a brother, Donald T. Nolan.

The funeral will be Wednesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church. Friends may call Monday, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; Marywood University, Office of Development, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; or Scranton Preparatory School, 1000 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.