Victor Smolen

Victor Smolen, 99, passed away peacefully in Silver Spring, Maryland June 6, 2025, after spending the afternoon with his son, Craig. Victor was smiling and holding hands with his son. Victor was never ill, a simple fall in the night the previous week had started the rapid decline.

Victor was born June 24, 1925, in Ensley, Alabama and grew up in Augusta, Georgia. (Victor missed his 100th birthday by 18 days.) Victor raised his family in Maryland. Upon retirement he resided in both Boynton Beach, Florida and Rockville, Maryland. For the last decade and still living independently, he resided full-time with his wife, Elaine in Silver Spring, Maryland to be close to family.

Victor earned his degree in Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1951. Victor during his college tenure he took a sabbatical to enlist in the U.S Army. He served at the end of WWII as a 1st Lieutenant in the Philippines.

Victor enjoyed one career for his entire working life. He was an architect. In 1959 Victor opened Victor Smolen and Associates. He designed many office/municipal buildings in the Maryland Region and internationally. At one time, Victor had designed the tallest building in the Bahamas. Victor fully retired in

1999. However, the firm still lives on today under the name of Smolen Emr Ilkovitch Associates.

Victor has traveled with his wife, Elaine to more than 50 countries all over the world. During his travels, he enjoyed securing all forms of art, sightseeing, and taking photographs. During retirement he would use his artistic skills and recreate renditions through painting using acrylic and watercolor mediums. Victor was truly an artist. His paintings were displayed in art shows and sold throughout locations in Maryland and Florida. In addition, Victor loved basking in the sun, a fun party and with good food, going to the beach with his granddaughters, and listening to music.

Victor is survived by his wife, Elaine Hope (Halperin). The lovebirds met in the fall of 1952. They were married in May of 1953 and shared 72 years of marital bliss. He devoted himself to making Elaine the happiest person in the world. He told her every single day of their lives together, she was beautiful, and he loved her. Victor was also survived by his sons Steven and Craig Smolen, daughter-in-law, Andrea Smolen, granddaughters, Jesse, Kelsey, Elizabeth, and Caroline, and great-grandsons, Dylan and Aiden. He was predeceased by his mother, Dora Smolen, father, Samuel Smolen, brother, Perry Smolen and sister, Lillian Smolen and in-laws, Claire and Irving Halperin.

Victor’s dedication to his family and friends is unparalleled. He was always the consummate gentleman. His family is forever changed by his presence and will miss him deeply. He blessed every person he met, always willing to see the good in society over his 100 years.

Funeral service will be held graveside beginning at 10:00 am on Monday, June 9, 2025. The location is Judean Gardens 16225 Batchellors Forest Rd, Olney, MD 20832. Luncheon and visitation to follow at Craig’s home in Glenelg, Maryland.