- Date Of Birth: June 26, 1921
- Date Of Death: May 13, 2015
- State: Maryland
Mr. Stolz was born and raised in New York City. He received his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in civil engineering from The City College of New York in 1942, subsequently earning a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California in 1966. Upon graduation from The City College, he held a position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering.
During World War II, Mr. Stolz had more than three years of active duty with the Army Air Force that included service in B 29s with the 20th Air Force in the Pacific. He maintained his service with the active reserves of the Air Force, retiring as Lt. Colonel in 1981.
Following his active duty, Mr. Stolz resumed practicing civil engineering, working for engineering firms and contractors involved in bridge and building design and construction in New York and California. He was involved with engineering in the developing nuclear industry during the 1950s through most of the 1960s. During his employment from 1953 through 1967 with the Atomics International Division of North American Aviation (later Rockwell International), he participated in industry and Atomic Energy Commission early development of nuclear power approaches for central station power plants and later for compact nuclear systems for space applications, managing the design and construction of prototype plants and testing facilities.
Mr. Stolz moved to Washington, DC, in 1969, joining the Atomic Energy Commission’s Division of Regulation that became the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1974. During his 30 years with the Commission, he held important management roles in the licensing of nuclear power plants and oversight regarding safe operation of these plants. He led the 4.5-year effort needed to support the restart of the Three Mile Island-1 after the accident at adjacent Three Mile Island 2.
Mr. Stolz was a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He organized and was the first chairman of the Committee on Nuclear Structures and Materials. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, honorary engineering society, and was a registered engineer in California and New York.
Mr. Stolz was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kensington, Maryland, and the Rock Creek Council of the Knights of Columbus in Bethesda. He was also a member of the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. He enjoyed travel and active outdoor activities.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Estelle Marguerite Stolz of Bethesda; three children, John J. Stolz (Prapasri) of Southport, NC; Richard A. Stolz of Rockville, MD, and Joan M. Stolz of Urbana, IL; two brothers, Edward Stolz and Raymond Stolz; one grandson, Joseph (Thanawan Rothuab); and one great granddaughter, Annabelle.
