Stanley (Stash) Wiklinski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 22, 1933, the son of Stanley and Henrietta Wiklinski; brother of Edward, Dolores, and Halina; loving husband of Barbara; father of Stanley, Stephen, Jennifer and Melissa; grandfather of Matthew, Patryk, Stefan, Konrad, and Daniel; and great grandfather of Yvette.
Stanley graduated from Ohio University, and attended the United States Naval Academy. He served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1967, and in the Naval Reserve from 1967 to 1993, when he retired as a Commander. He was reappointed every four years by consecutive Governors as a New Jersey Commissioner of Maritime and Docking Pilots serving for twenty-one years.
Stanley also received a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale University School of Drama. He appeared in regional theatre, commercials, and on Broadway in, “Full Circle,” a play directed by Otto Preminger. He synthesized all of the Lincoln/Douglas debates into one debate that was sponsored by Knox College, and presented live at the only standing site of the original debates to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the debates. Stanley portrayed Abraham Lincoln. The presentation was entered in the public service category of the Peabody Awards. He also served as a Lector at Our Lady of Victories Church in Harrington Park, New Jersey for many years.
Recently, Stanley published his first children’s book “The Christmas That Almost Never Was,” that was selected by People Magazine as one of its three picks for, “Best Children’s Picture Books for the 2018 Holiday Season.” The book was also winner of the, “2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award 1st Place for Children’s Picture Books Six & Older.” Stanley’s second book, “Making Cookies from The Sun,” is in the final phase of illustration, with our continued goal for future publication.
Stanley lived life fully, with passion, adventure, dedication for service to our country, generosity, a zest for artistic expression, and a profound love for family and friends.
Visiting hours are Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale (201-767-3050). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Harrington Park. Interment will be at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemtery, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the United States Naval Academy Alumni Foundation. Select one of three options for donation: Visit their website at www.usna.com , select Naval Academy Fund, In memory of Stanley E Wiklinski, or call directly at (410) 295-4115 or mail a check noting IMO: Stanley E Wiklinski, payable to USNA Foundation, at US Naval Academy Foundation, 274 Wood Rd, Annapolis MD 21402 Attn: Elizabeth Root.
Uncle Stash was a great man. A man of intelligence, passion, and humor. To know him was to love him. You will be missed profoundly Great Uncle. Your memory will live on through your family. Deepest sympathies and love.
We love and miss you Uncle Stash.
So many happy memories of Stash. One of the most joyful people I have known. So many fond memories from Central Avenue and the best friendships between 3 families. My most sincere condolences to all of you. Love Judy
Stash was one of my roommates at the United States Naval Academy for 3 years. We were proud members of the 17th Company, Class of 1958. Anyone who knew Stash and his wonderful wife Barbara loved them dearly. He was a loyal friend, and exceptional person. I will cherish my memories of Stash, his great stories, wonderful singing voice, especially when his was singing his favorite Irish tunes. He didn’t graduate with our class but he was a loyal member of our class at the Naval Academy. He attended most of our reunions, our roommate reunions and other important family events. We will miss him.
Dear Aunt Barbara and Cousins,
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Uncle Stash. What a joy he was! I have such fond memories of the times I got to be around him…..from his concern for others to his deep, infectious laugh. He was always a positive male influence to me. I know my mother loved him dearly. How very fortunate indeed that you got to spend so many years in the company of this great man! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Will you please save 3 of the funeral programs for me? I would love to have those.
Hi Jamie,
Thank you so much for your kind words. He touched the lives of so many people, and yes, I was blessed to spend so many years with him. Please send me your address, and I will send you the programs.
Thank you again,
Aunt Barbara
Dear Barbara and family – I am so sorry to hear about Stash. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was one of the most joyful people I have ever known. I will always cherish the days on Central Avenue…such amazing friendships between 3 families; wonderful memories!! Stash will be greeted by many in heaven that loved him dearly. May he rest in peace. Love Judy.
I served with Stanley on the NJ Maritime Pilot and Docking Pilot Commission for about a decade. He was a great Commissioner. He was always very professional, he cared about the well being of the pilots, and always supported what was best for New Jersey. He was also a great person to spend time with. I will miss Stanley very much and will keep his family in my prayers.
Commissioner Stanley Wiklinski was one of the finest men I have ever met. As one of the longest serving Pilot Commissioners I really got to know him on our Apprentice Selection Committee. His insight was invaluable in this tedious process of 50 interviews in a two week period. Always searching for the Team Player he actually made this process bearable and fun. The Sandy Hook pilots lost their finest supporter. Until we meet again my Friend……
I was an active Sandy Hook pilot during the 21 years Stanley served the state of New Jersey as a commissioner, and had the good fortune to work with him closely on many matters of mutual concern and interest. He was such an honorable, sincere gentleman who had the ability to see the best in people. He demonstrated true character at all times, and appreciated hard work and honesty. I am so thankful to have known him, and send our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Barbara and the entire Wiklinski family.
Barbara & Family – It saddens me to hear the news of Stanley’s passing. It has been many, many years but for much of my childhood, your family was an extension of mine. I have many fond memories I will always cherish. I only wish I were able to be there and pay my respects. Stanley was quite literally a stand up guy with a huge heart, an amazing wealth of knowlege, an unending sense of humor and the epitome of kindness. Heaven has certainly gained a first class angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. May you find comfort in the many memories you have shared.
The Renaissance Man
On July 22 (1933), in the Buckeye State
A babe was born, who would later debate.
On the 125th Anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, all could enjoy
As “Stash” acted on stage, the part of honest Abe at a college town in NW Illinois.
Performing in theatre, commercials and shows
As far as that goes,
You were hailed as quite the acclaimed movie star
Puffing your earthy, Cuban cigars.
A Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Yale
You were always creative at telling a tale.
Your first children’s story (The Christmas That Almost Never Was) was such a success
The second (Making Cookies from the Sun) in it’s final phase of illustration, will be as well, nonetheless.
Distinguished, handsome, and so debonair
Sitting upright in your comfy armchair.
Heard for miles, a loud, hearty chuckle
As notable as your Naval Academy belt buckle.
A heart of forgiveness, joy, and compassion
Your zeal for life was lived with extreme passion.
A man so patriotic, honorable, and just
A Commander, your men would say they could trust.
Eyes as blue as the seas you once traveled
Stories recited with wit and with humor, always bedazzled.
A smile so bright, it would light up the night,
In God’s divine gift, it was such a delight.
How blessed was I, for the imprint Uncle Stash left behind
His legacy will live on for all humankind.
Prayers to family for strength and for peace
Love that can only come from a niece.
Hi Pam,
What a beautiful poem! You must have inherited some of the families artistic genes.
We really enjoyed your visit, and the Renaissance man really enjoyed your continual conversations with him.
Please keep in touch,
Aunt Barbara
Aunt Barbara,
I will certainly keep in touch. I love the memory Stefan shared about his grandfather. Doug and I were blessed to meet and spend time sharing a meal with your “next door neighbors”! I miss Uncle Stash everyday!
Pamela
As a New York Commissioner of Pilots, I was lucky enough to serve on the Sandy Hook Apprentice Selection Committee with Stanley. He was a hard worker whose heart was always in the right place. He was a delight and a poet. My sincere condolences to his family.
Stanley, “ truly an officer and a Gentleman “
Thanks for all the help and work you did with The Sandy Hook Pilots and NY/NJ Harbor.
Thank you for your friendship. RIP Stanley
As one of my grandfather’s fellow grandsons, I can remember how close he was to me. I was so lucky to live next door to him to see him everyday. He would tell jokes, stories from when he was in the Navy, stories that he had thought about, and normal conversations. During that I can also remember that beautiful smile on his face when I bounced back with a joke. I am so blessed to be able to see his works, his legacy still being passed on to fellow children like me. Grandfather, I love you so much and I will never forget you.
Stefan Wiklinski