Robert Michael VonHoene, 84

Robert Michael VonHoene, age 84 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, November 10th, 2016.

Born September 29th, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert and Martha VonHoene and was a resident of Flat Rock for 18 years. Prior to moving to Flat Rock, he resided and raised his family in Basking Ridge, NJ. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1954 and upon graduation was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He completed flight training as a navigator and was appointed to the Strategic Air Command. He held a top secret security clearance and was assigned to an aerial reconnaissance wing. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1957 after completing his active tour of duty.

After military service, he began his career with Dun and Bradstreet in Pittsburgh following this by accepting a position with ACF Industries in Manhattan. In 1962 he became employed by Allied Chemical which later became Allied Signal and subsequently was Director of Commercial Development and Planning for the company’s Solvay Division in Morristown, NJ. The majority of his career with Allied involved working for several divisions developing domestic and global markets for promising materials emerging from research as well as advancing new product introductions. He was granted several patents having applications in remote sensing, metal joining, pulsed power, and certain national security devices. He traveled extensively for the company and retired in 1992 after thirty years of service.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally of 55 years, and by their four children, Laura A. Hanff (Geoff) of Charlotte, NC, Robert J. (Karen) of Highlands Ranch, CO, Michael D. (Paula) of Charlotte, NC and David S. (Stephanie) of Mooresville, NC. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Drew, Alec and Ted Hanff, Jack and Anna VonHoene, Carter and Kelly VonHoene and Emily VonHoene; two sisters, Joan VonHoene of Pittsburgh and Lois Donahue of Anchorage, AK and Naples, FL; and by his brother, J. Paul (Barbara) of Springfield, VA.

A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.