Obituary for Thomas O. "T.O." Stiling
Thomas Oliver Stiling of Westford, age 89, passed away peacefully at home after a short-term battle with ALS. Known lovingly by all who knew him as T.O./Dad/Grampy/Uncle/ “Stoober,” T.O. was born in Daytona Florida, the younger son of Ackland and Lucille Stiling (both deceased). Patriarch of the huge extended Stiling Clan, T.O. is survived by his wife of 67 years Mary K. Stiling (Schuman), sister Margaret Gustina (Stiling), and children Tom, David, Michael, and Sherry – as well as 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grand kids.
Living in Westford, MA since 1964, T.O. was a pillar of the community active in local town politics and youth sports. The “official” cinematographer of the Westford Academy Grey Ghost varsity football team in the 70’s, T.O. was also the Chairman of the Youth Recreation Committee throughout the late 70’s and early 80’s, as well as coaching many championship Little League teams with his boys. T.O. was an avid golfer and skier (well into his 80’s), and a rabid fan of his beloved Red Sox and Patriots. Other life-long passions for T.O. included reveling with members of his Irish “Goober Gang,” fishing, model airplanes, scotch tasting club, and family game nights.
T.O. was a Korean War era Navy veteran (USN 1951-1954), after which he attended Michigan State University on the GI Bill. Prior to his college years, he married the love of his life Kay in Chicago, and left MSU with two toddlers, an infant and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Moving to Westford from Indiana in 1964, T.O. worked for the MITRE Corp. in Bedford, MA over 34 years, retiring in 1998.
So many great stories about this great man. From playing “quick-draw” in the Navy and shooting out a defenseless mirror, dancing all night with all the ladies at his grand-son’s wedding (at age 88), to playing belly-tuba’s with the Goober Gang. We would LOVE to hear your stories and testimonials about T.O. the man/myth/legend, please post on his Wall.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 2 – 5 pm in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Funeral services and interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to the MA Chapter of the ALS Association at als.org/Massachusetts.
Living in Westford, MA since 1964, T.O. was a pillar of the community active in local town politics and youth sports. The “official” cinematographer of the Westford Academy Grey Ghost varsity football team in the 70’s, T.O. was also the Chairman of the Youth Recreation Committee throughout the late 70’s and early 80’s, as well as coaching many championship Little League teams with his boys. T.O. was an avid golfer and skier (well into his 80’s), and a rabid fan of his beloved Red Sox and Patriots. Other life-long passions for T.O. included reveling with members of his Irish “Goober Gang,” fishing, model airplanes, scotch tasting club, and family game nights.
T.O. was a Korean War era Navy veteran (USN 1951-1954), after which he attended Michigan State University on the GI Bill. Prior to his college years, he married the love of his life Kay in Chicago, and left MSU with two toddlers, an infant and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Moving to Westford from Indiana in 1964, T.O. worked for the MITRE Corp. in Bedford, MA over 34 years, retiring in 1998.
So many great stories about this great man. From playing “quick-draw” in the Navy and shooting out a defenseless mirror, dancing all night with all the ladies at his grand-son’s wedding (at age 88), to playing belly-tuba’s with the Goober Gang. We would LOVE to hear your stories and testimonials about T.O. the man/myth/legend, please post on his Wall.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 2 – 5 pm in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Funeral services and interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to the MA Chapter of the ALS Association at als.org/Massachusetts.