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Burton Gerald “Jerry” Stiteler was never known as Burton, or even Burt – always Jerry. He was born at home in Magnolia, New Jersey on July 1, 1935, and despite leaving south New Jersey right after high school and living throughout the world over the next 70 year, ne never lost all of his ‘Jersey accent.
Jerry joined the US Navy soon after high school graduation (Audubon HS, Class of 1953) to see the world and experience everything he could. Though not an inspired student in high school, the opportunities and support the Navy offered were just what Jerry needed to spread his wings and soar. Jerry was very intelligent, as well as a problem solver, and when he saw opportunities to advance, he ran with them. Jerry went from a lowly seaman to a Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) in his 25 years with the Navy. He was stationed on a ship only once (USS Wasp), but his other duty assignments included Oklahoma, Kansas, the Philippines, Georgia, Florida, Rhode Island, Bermuda, and California. While in the military, Jerry met and married his first wife, Anne, and they had 3 children – Laura, Craig, and Elena.
After serving in and retiring from the US Navy, Jerry and Anne divorced and Jerry embarked on a new career – teaching air traffic control at a new program at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. While teaching at OU, Jerry met Karen and they married a year later. After deciding to apply to the FAA to become a flight service air traffic controller and being accepted to the training program, Jerry’s first assignment was Bryan/College Station, TX. Jerry and Karen expanded their family while in Texas and welcomed Lindsey and Derek. While in Bryan/College Station, Jerry completed his coursework for his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University, Class of 1985. Son Craig moved to the area in 1981 and he also graduated from TAMU later in 1985. The flight service station in College Station closed, and Jerry’s next assignment was south of Denver (Centennial) and the family relocated to Parker, CO. Jerry continued to work for the FAA for 20 years and retired – again.
For one entire year, Jerry puttered around the house and local golf courses before Karen asked what he was planning on doing with the rest of his life. After a period of thoughtful consideration, Jerry decided he really wanted to work in aviation again. Because of age restrictions, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to be a pilot, but United Airlines (UAL) was hiring Customer Service Representative and they offered flight benefits with the position. He got the job and excelled at it. He spent 10 years with United Airlines – even through furloughs and layoffs, a transfer to Houston, and a stint in San Francisco teaching others to be customer service reps. After deciding that the work schedule was a grind, Jerry ended up retiring from UAL. What next?
Denver International Airport had a volunteer program that really interested Jerry. He only had to work a couple of 4-hour shifts a month, and the type of work was a perfect fit for Jerry. He got to meet new people every day, share his knowledge about the airport and area, and even see his former UAL colleagues on the job. Jerry was a DIA Ambassador until two weeks before he had to go into memory care for vascular dementia in March 2022.
Jerry loved to travel and besides numerous road trip throughout the US, Jerry really enjoyed international travel. When Karen retired in 2012, their international travel kicked into high gear. Together they went to Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Germany, and Croatia. Jerry especially loved visiting with our former exchange students and their families – Thom in Germany and Vedrana in Croatia.
Jerry will be remembered as a kind, helpful, thoughtful, funny, interesting, intelligent, and generous man who loved all people. He was very proud of his children (Laura, Craig, Elena, Lindsey, and Derek), grandchildren (Graham, Kelly, Dylan, Blake, Natalie, Katie, Landon, Lee, and Celia), and great-grandchildren (Clara, Lilah, James, and Everly) and he loved them fiercely. Jerry always marveled that despite having had input into their genetics, that all his progeny were so unique and different in their interests and abilities, but a common thread was that they were kind and loving which made Jerry happy. We miss him and his beautiful blue eyes that sparkled when he smiled.
Jerry died on April 22, 2023 at The Denver Hospice, surrounded by his loved ones. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Denver Hospice, or to your favorite charity.
Jerry’s military funeral will take place on Friday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. Guests must be at Staging area A no later than 1:45 to be taken by escort to Shelter A. The ceremony should be about 20 minutes in length.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Riverwalk Clubhouse, 2751 W. Riverwalk Circle, Littleton following the military service. There will be food and drinks for all who would like to join us. The venue is about 12 minutes from the cemetery. Come help us celebrate Jerry’s amazing life.
To plant a tree in memory of Jerry Stiteler, visit the Tribute Store.
26
May
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
Please meet at Staging Area "A" at 1:45 pm for procession to Shelter "A" at 2:00 PM.
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
Address 13436 West Arbor Place, Littleton, Colorado 80127 Phone (720) 344-8565
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