Robert Blair Mollo

Robert Blair Mollo, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully in his Colorado Springs home on January 21, 2016, at the age of 86. Bob was born in Waterman Pennsylvania on September 22, 1929 to Daniel and Rose Mollo.

Bob began establishing his amazing work ethic, compassion for others, and scholastic drive while growing up in a hard working coal mining town in Pennsylvania. As Bob proceeded to achieve early success in his own work and school endeavors, he still found the time to concern himself with the needs his large family. At a young age he started his own painting business and later he worked nights in a paper mill to put himself through Indiana State Teacher's College. After graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Bob had a long and distinguished flying career that included extensive tours of duty during the Korean and Viet-Nam wars.

Early in Bob's military career he married high school sweetheart Ann Miller. While Bob began establishing his young family he also was able to utilize his military benefits to further his education. He attended Stanford University and obtained his Master of Science Degree. Later after his transfer to Michigan, he enrolled and graduated from the University of Michigan with a PhD.

Subsequent to his retirement from the Air Force after 26 years, Bob utilized his education in his positions as a nuclear physicist and Senior Vice President of BDM Corporation in Los Alamos, NM.

After his retirement from BDM, Bob made his home in Colorado Springs. A few years later, Bob lost Ann in a tragic car accident.

He began to focus on his extensive philanthropic work which included Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Penrose Hospital, Fine Arts Center, Rotary International, Bear Creek Nature Center, and First Presbyterian Church. Bob earned many special distinctions including Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Honorary Lifetime Director, FAC Living Treasure Award, Rotary Service Citation and Deacon at First Presbyterian.

Bob married Judy Ann Cole in 1990, and together they enjoyed church activities, entertaining, their loving pets and traveling with close friends. Judy was at Bob's side as he departed this world for Heaven.

Bob was preceded in death by sons Michael and Keith, and siblings Nicholas, Victoria, Angeline, Charles, James and Gloria. Bob is survived by wife Judy, sons Mark and Paul (Connie), brothers Richard and Daniel, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of Bob's life is scheduled for Friday, January 29, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs CO 80906.