Obituary of Stuart H. Stilwell
Stuart H. Stilwell
Stuart H. Stilwell, 96, passed away on May 27th, 2018 in his home. He was born October 11, 1921 in Geneva. He attended Geneva schools and graduated from Geneva High School in 1939.
In the summer of 1942, he worked briefly helping to build Sampson Naval Base, then he departed for the Army Air Corps. He volunteered for flying duty. He served first as an aerial gunner in a dive-bomber squadron. He then trained as a Navigator on B-24 Bombers and joined the 15th Air Force in Italy. His assignment was a Special Bomb Squadron where he flew 37 secret night missions in support of the O.S.S. and the Resistance Movement in Southern Europe. In later June ’45, he and his crew flew their bomber back to the states.
Once home on leave, he started dating his future wife Barbara. They immediately recognized they wanted to spend a lifetime together. They married at Trinity Church, Geneva on June 7, 1947 during his senior year at Syracuse University. While at S.U. he participated in his favorite sport of Lacrosse. He led the ’46 and ’47 teams in scoring. Stu graduated in June 1948 with a BS Degree.
Stu spent his working career in advertising management with a number of major Rochester manufacturers. His last company was Taylor Instruments/Sybron Corporation from which he retired in 1985.
In the late ‘50s, Stu was active with the beginnings of the Ontario ARC as a board member and president for two years. He also was on the board of the State ARC. He was a member of the American Legion, Winnek Post #396, the 15th Air Force Association and a member of Trinity Church serving on the Vestry.
Stu’s family always came first in his life. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara, and his daughter, Ann E. Stilwell. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Roger) Gardner of Canandaigua, two granddaughters-Sarah (Tommy) Chen of Maryland and Julie Gardner of Pittsford, a great granddaughter Madeline Chen and great grandson Alexander Chen of Maryland. Also, sisters and their families, Marilyn (Dick) Lautenslager, Marcellus; Sandra Wheeler, Geneva. He was predeceased by his sister Vivian Dougherty formerly of Geneva and Canandaigua.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Canandaigua, on June 29th 2018 at 10am with a private interment at Sand Hill Cemetery to follow. Remembrances may be sent to AutismSpeaks (www.autismspeaks.org)
To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com