Colonel Wesley C. Stidnick Jr., United States Air Force-Retired, Command Fighter Pilot, of Palm Harbor, FL died at Mease Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, FL on May 18, 2009 at the age of 80. He was Catholic and a native of Cohoes, NY. Colonel Stidnick was a graduate of Syracuse University and a member of the Syracuse Lacrosse team. Over his 30 year military career, he flew the F-86 D Fighter, the F-102 Delta Dar Fighter, the F4C Phantom II and the RF4C Phantom II. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; AF Commendation Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Combat Readiness Medal; Korean Service Medal; AF Longevity Service Ribbon with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Medal; with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars; AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; United Nations Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America and the Order of Daedalians. Retiring from the military in 1980, he then worked for the State of Alabama as an auditor and also opened a business in 1981 providing tax services. In 1990, he moved from Montgomery, AL to Palm Harbor, FL. Colonel Stidnick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris of Palm Harbor, FL; a son, David Stidnick and his wife, Mary of Albany, GA; a daughter, Lori Montgomery and her husband, Richard of Orlando, FL; a brother, Ronald Stidnick and his wife, Judy of Clifton Park, NY and four grandchildren: Roxanne Montgomery, Matthew Stidnick, Christopher Montgomery and Tristan Stidnick.
The family will receive friends at Veterans- Palm Harbor White Chapel, 1190 Georgia Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL; 34683 on Friday evening, June 5, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Colonel Stidnick’s funeral, with full military honors is 10:45 AM, Monday, August 31, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA with the United States Air Force Honor Guard Team, to officiate. Donations to Daeladian Foundation; (210-945-2113) or American Stroke Association in memoriam. Visit www.veteransfuneralcare.com to sign the guest book.
Veterans Funeral Care
1-800-467-7850
Knowing Wes and Doris was one of the highlights of my time in Florida, Wes always had a smile and a good attitude to share with me.I will always have fond memories of the time that I knew him. May God Bless his memory and all of his family.
Doris, Lori and David:
We are so sorry for the loss of your husbandfather. We know it will be very difficult to not have him in your lives any longer. He was a great guy and will be missed. Judy & Ron
Having read of Col Stidnick’s death today in the Montgomery Advertiser brought tears to my eyes. Many fond memories of him and your family taking care of John and me in our younger years. Always a joy, I always remember his kindness, willing to help others and his love for America. I can picture he an John visitng each other in heaven. My deepest sympathies go out to David, Lori and Mrs. Stidnick. Know that you are in my prayers and may the memories of his life bring you comfort during this time of grief.
Dear Doris,Lori and David,
We are so terribly sorry to read about Wes this morning. We have never and will never forget our wonderful neighbors. Wes kidding with Glennda about swimming,Glenn and Wes going to the Daedalian meeting–just so many wonderful memories.Doris,you both were so much fun to be with. Our deepest sympathies to you all and know you are in our prayers. all our love Marie and Glenn
Doris,
I was so sorry to read about Wes in the Montgomery Advertiser today. I always enjoyed working with Wes. He taught me so much and the job and about life. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and David and Lori.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. We are so proud to have known Wes. Be at peace that you all were a comfort and blessing to your husband and father, Wes, an incredible man.
Love, The Snapstailers
I an so sorry to hear about your loss and just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your family has a special place in our hearts living next door to my mom and dad in montgomery,summers swimming, and providing housing to all our poor college groomsmen for Lionel and I’s wedding back in 81…Take care and God Bless your family…Renee
Doris, Lori and David – we want to express our deepest sympathies on the passing of Wes. It was always a pleasure to see him come into the office all these years. Even following his stroke, his ready smile and friendliness were always a joy to see. As we read the listing of military service career accomplishments-we only wish that we could have also known him in his younger years. We will keep all of you in our daily prayers as you journey through this difficult time. We also pray that all the wonderful times will give all of you comfort.
We are all so saddened by the passing of Wes. We have many fond memories after having had the privilege of living next door to “Uncle Wes”, as the kids knew him. We always appreciated his straightforward advice and we learned a great deal from him. It was an honor to have known him. He will be greatly missed. Our love to all of you.
To Doris and Lori,
I enjoyed reading all about cousin Wes and everything he had done in his life. He was a great man. My parents loved have him stop by and visit during his flying days. Our prayers are with you and I know it is hard to loose him and to not be able to talk anymore. He now has a healthy body and you will see him again and have lots of happy memories to hold close to your heat. Love Susan
Doris, Lori and David: We are so sorry for the loss of your husbandfather. Our deepest sympathies to you all.To let you know that many thoughts and prayers are with you.Love John, Krystyna, Chris and Patricia.
Doris, Lori amd David,
Wes was a great pilot and a very good friend in the time we were stationed at Truax Field in Madison. Mary and I were remembering how quickly he made friends in Kaukauna when he was in our wedding. Our hearts go out to you and we will remember Wes in our prayers.
John and Mary O’Neill
We are so sorry of Wes’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of you both especially during our tour together in Okinawa. I’ll also never forget our visit with you both in Montgomery when our little Maltese tried to destroy your kitchen blinds. God Bless you all.
We are so sorry of Wes’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of you both especially during our tour together in Okinawa. I’ll also never forget our visit with you both in Montgomery when our little Maltese tried to destroy your kitchen blinds. God Bless you all.
Dad….I miss you so very much. I love you. Lori
Dad….I miss you so very much. I love you. Lori
Dad….I miss you so very much. I love you. Lori
Grandpa i miss you soo much i know your flying around watching over all of us i wish i could have seen you one last time before you left us im sorry i wasnt there more and there to say goodbye…you have meant so much to me throught out my life i always loved coming to see you because you brightened my day just as much as i saw all of us brighten yours…i know your in a better place now but i wish so much everyday it was a place i could visit i love you soo much i will see you up there one day
hugs and kisses from your only grand daughter
xoxo
–Roxie
Grandpa i miss you soo much i know your flying around watching over all of us i wish i could have seen you one last time before you left us im sorry i wasnt there more and there to say goodbye…you have meant so much to me throught out my life i always loved coming to see you because you brightened my day just as much as i saw all of us brighten yours…i know your in a better place now but i wish so much everyday it was a place i could visit i love you soo much i will see you up there one day
hugs and kisses from your only grand daughter
xoxo
–Roxie
The Lutz Patriots of Lutz, Florida send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Col. Stidnick. His service to our Country will be forever remembered.