Robert J. Stehle

Retired Design Engineer For Sikorsky Aircraft

Robert J. Stehle, 76, of Crystal River, Fla., died October 19 in his home after a brief battle with cancer. He was born to Joseph and Anna (Olsovsky) Stehle and raised in Bridgeport. He moved to Crystal River 15 years ago after spending 24 years raising his family in Monroe.

 Survivors include his much cherished wife of 42 years, Marianne McGrath Stehle of Crystal River; daughters, Nancianne Boland and husband, Richard, of Sandy Hook and Suzanne Holmes and husband, Christopher, of Wiersdale, Fla.; a son, Robert D. Stehle of Crystal River.; seven grandchildren, Kayla, Richard, and Seth Boland, all of Sandy Hook, Blake Dodson and Christian Holmes, both of Weirsdale, and Cole and Kelsey Stehle, both of Crystal River; an uncle, George Olsovsky of Suffield; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph R. Stehle.

Mr Stehle served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After serving four years in the Navy, he attended and graduated cum laude from the University of Bridgeport with a degree in engineering.

Mr Stehle retired after 30 years as a design engineer with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford.

He loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed his home, yard, gardening, pets, and Bible study, especially Prophecy classes.

He was raised as a member of the Slovak Lutheran Holy Trinity Church of Bridgeport and later attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Monroe. He was a current member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church of Citrus Springs, Fla.

 Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm Street, Monroe, at 11 am on Saturday, November 12.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local Hospice services.

 The Newtown Bee     November 11, 2005