Stanford Manning Wittmayer
April 24, 1927-Feb. 12, 2011
Resident of Santa Clara
Our father loved God, his family and his country. Faithful, loving husband and honorable father, Stanford Manning Wittmayer left this world peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on 2/12/11. He was married to his wife, Tina, for 62 years. His best times in life were spent with family gathered around him.
Stan opened Stan's Donut Shop in Santa Clara in 1959. After many sweet award winning years, the city recognized Stan's Donut Shop for over 50 years of service to the community. He proudly served in the Navy during WWII and was a Godly man with integrity and honor.
Stan is survived by his wife, Tina, their 9 children; Stan Jr. David, Richard, Paul, Maryann, Lucy, Cathy, Lisa and Julie, daughters-in-law Cindy, Jenny and Dianne, sons-in-law Scott, Dave, Tom and Jim, 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men and the glory of sons is their father.
Visitation, Thursday 2/17/2011 at 9 AM at Lima Family Santa Clara, 466 N. Winchester Blvd. Funeral mass to follow at 11 AM at St. Justin Church, 2655 Homestead Rd. in Santa Clara.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Stanford Wittmayer

25 Entries

Frank Rohles

July 2, 2011

My first real job was mixing the glaze, cleaning the trays and scrapping the floor in the back room. I seemed to get yelled at quite a bit, but felt the love from everyone there, especially Tina. It has been at least 7 years since I have been back to Santa Clara, but can still remember the fun of being at Stan's and was proud to tell others of my time there. Peace be with you all

Andrea Witt Beswetherick

May 8, 2011

Dear Lu and Family,

I just found out this morning. I'm so sorry for your loss but know with your strong faith that you know he is in a better place. What an incredibe legacy he leaves, so many grandchildren and GREAT grandchildren. So many people with memories of him, your mom and the donut shop. I've yet to have a donut as good as Stan's from anywhere else. Remember when we would drive from school to get donuts for the typing class at Santa Clara? And his nickname for me "hourglass"; wish I still lived up to that name! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and my prayers, my dear friend.

Love, Ann

March 24, 2011

To my beloved Papa, I will always remember how generous and loving you were. The big bear hugs you gave me and spending time with you watching a game or the news were part of the best times of my life. I know you are up there watching over me and keeping me safe. I miss you and I love you.

I'll find you
In the morning sun
and when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you.

Love your granddaughter, Danielle

Mike L

February 25, 2011

I only knew Stan from my frequent runs to the donut shop when I was a student at St. Justin's. I remember scrounging up 35 cents and making a morning run to the shop, and Stan telling me to hurry back to school before the bell rang. Although I live in SoCal now, Stan's Donuts is one of the things I miss most about home, and religiously make a run whenever I visit. God Bless!

Jim & Mary Anne Rinnovatore

February 25, 2011

Dear Tina and all her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren -

We were only in Stan and Tina's company a few times shared a few telephone conversations because we lived 3,000 miles apart. And this was because our son Jim married Lisa, one of Stan and Tina's daughters. And because of this we got to know the Wittmayer family. Our deepest sympathies to all the family on their loss. We grieve with you.

Love and prayers - Jim and Mary Anne Rinnovatore - February 25, 2011

Knights of Columbus Council 3523

February 19, 2011

We "Knights of Columbus" are sorry for your loss. Stan's Donuts has done so much in helping our council's Fundraiser's on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Council 3523 - Fr. Joseph M. Geary - St. Justins Church. Your family will be in our prayers.

Rafael Betancourt, GK

February 19, 2011

Deepest sympathies from the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Joseph Geary Council 3523 - Santa Clara. We pray for the repose of his soul and comfort and strength for his family.

February 19, 2011

Hey big guy,
you were my boss too,although not at the delicious donut shop.
You were my wonderful boss at the Claran,and I will never forget what a great person you were.
May God bless you and keep you.
Fred Siau

Stephanie Sales

February 19, 2011

We are sorry for your loss... He obviously left a wonderful heritage with the family that he created as well as a living testimony of his faith. I didn't know your father, but I never knew of another donut shop growing up. We still live in Santa Clara and our children grew up on your Dad's donuts as well. THANK you for all that he has done.. May the Lord comfort you in your time of grieve.

Graciela Marques-Hahn

February 18, 2011

Thank you Stan for the wonderful memories and the uniquely delicious donuts. We waited inline through rain and heat to get to a box of glazed. Our children and friends, sometimes whole soccer teams would stand and watch Stan make them. O have yet to taste another like it. Stan helped our team fundraise for uniforms. We are forever grateful. We will enjoy him again when we meet in heaven! John3:16

Jackie Driggs

February 18, 2011

One of our best memories growing up. Dad going to Stans on Sat or Sun morning, and bringing home hot doughnuts. I have never had one any better. Our thoughts go out to the family, many of whom we attended school with. Our family is thinking of your family.
Jackie Driggs and family

February 17, 2011

When I was a kid in the early 60's my Lauren Park crew and I would sneak out of Mass half way through and go to the donut shop. I can remember the cinnamon rolls to this day. My God hold the Wittmayer family in His abundant grace during this period of sorrow. God bless you Mr. Wittmayer and thank you for a great memory...Greg Cummings

Ron Bjorklund

February 17, 2011

To the Wittmayer Family... it's with deepest sympathy i send this to you. Stan or "Big Stan" as i remember was like a second Dad to us Bjorklunds. He was my 1st boss. I can't believe i started working for $1.00/hr, but it was better than not working at all. I remember the time my Dad, brother and sis snuck up to see you at some cabin you had rented in Santa Cruz and we hid in the closet. Back then you didnt
need to lock "anything"!!! Stan, and well, ALL you Wittmayers, not a day goes by that i dont remember the simpler days and all the fun on San Miguel Ave. God Bless you ALL... Ron

Yvonne

February 17, 2011

I didn't know Stan, but grew up with his donuts. My father painted his place a few times and my brother and used to go in there on the weekends before they went to work (they were painters)and have breakfast and donuts. Sorry for your loss - but know he was loved by many!!

Sherry Gregorich-Prins

February 17, 2011

To The Wittmayer family, we are so sorry for your loss. Blessings on your family. Stans is such a great memory from my youth. Still a wonderful place to to visit when in Santa Clara. Thank you for the memories!

Joy Patzner

February 17, 2011

I moved to Santa Clara in 1961. I had many happy times going to Stan's Donuts. My memories include sitting at the counter, eating a donut and drinking a coke. Can't believe I mixed those two things. Anyway, may his memory long live on.

Merril (Stephens) Bonifacino

February 17, 2011

Stan's donuts was part of my childhood. And is now part of my life as an adult as I still live in Mariposa Gardens. A cinnamon roll on a Sunday is heaven. Thank you to Stan and his family. My thoughts are with you.

February 16, 2011

Mr. Stan Wittmayer, I remember Stan and his wife playing jump rope in the front yard with the kids. Mr. Stan Wittmayer was not only known for his great donuts but a wonderful family man. You will be missed. Kathy (Priest) Lunetta

February 16, 2011

I had the privilige of growing up on San Miguel Ave. Stan and Tina made me feel like an honorary member of their family. Maybe child #10 or 11? That will be debatable with my brother, Carl.

With 9 kids in a 3 bedroom home, there was always room at the dinner table, a spot in a bed to spend the night, or a seat in the station wagon.

Stan was my first boss, as I was lucky enough to work at the donut shop during summer vacation. I was under the watchful eye of my mom, Barbara, who also worked there for many years.

MaryAnn, Cindy and I got the notion to go skiing in Tahoe one Feb. holiday. Stan gave me the keys to the big black Bonneville and said,"Debbie, you do the driving." I was used to the VW and Vega. We made it there and back safely.

I can go on and on.

Thank you Stan, for your love.

Thank you God, for the Wittmayer Family.

Debra Bjorklund Stone

Thomas

February 16, 2011

Stan will be missed. I grew up in Mariposa Gardens. I remember seeing Stan working in the donut shop on the weekends when I would go down to the Variety store or Leiters Pharmacy(Stans Donut shop used to be located next to Leiters drug store.) To this day I look forward to one of Stan's glazed donuts and usually pay a visit each trip back to Santa Clara when I visit my mom and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
ALOHA from Waikiki, Hawaii
Thomas Moniz

Elaine 'Moniz' Peters

February 16, 2011

To The Family of Stan Wittmayer:

Stan, you will be missed; but, oh what a legacy you have left for your family--your good name and outstanding work ethic.

My parents, with their 5 children, moved to Mariposa Gardens in Santa Clara in June 1954; and I was 8 yrs old. Santa Clara was the hub-bub of country living with cherry & prune orchards, two lane roads; blossoms and lots of clean air and empty space....

Your Donut Shop, which was next to the Variety Store, Lucky's and Key Rexall Drugs, became our hangout after school in 1959, and during the summers, as the newly developed community began to grow.

Orchards were disappearing and new families & companies moved in.

Your shop remains the famous icon of our community to this day, February 15, 2011.

For the past decades at Buchser's & Santa Clara High School's Reunions, the Alumi students would grace our picnic tables with your famous glazed donuts, ...not to mention our waistlines!

Rick, and his new little family, became my neighbors on Bing Drive; ...and now, another season is upon us.

I am the oldest of ten children, and families are the core of our community.

Your shop carries 'your' name:
"Stan's Donuts!" Thank you for your family values, Stan.

I am proud to have lived in your neighborhood and shared in the homemade donuts that became a family staple in the homes of Santa Clara and neighboring cities for the past 52 years.

May God continue to bless your family during your 'physical; absence.

May God bless 'all' of you for the fond memories that have been shared in your shop, when we could meet with family & friends throughout the years and simply catch up on old times.

May we always remember you Stan, in this way:

"Stan came into our lives,
And walked with us a mile.

And then because of circumstances;
He could only stay awhile.

He served a need within our days
That moved so quickly by;

Now, Stan is gone beyond our reach;
We may often wonder why?

But, God only knows the reasons
That we met him, and shared his smile.

Why you, Stan, came into our lives,
And walked with us a mile.

...Why you, Stan, came into our lives,
An walked with us all those miles."

God bless your family....

February 15, 2011

Stan lived 2 doors down from my family and we shared many happy family times together.The family was always there for my family and we are here for his family.Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.God Bless. The Blue Family children

Frances Madden

February 15, 2011

One of our earlist memories of moving to Santa Clara in 1968 is getting donuts after or before church at St Justin's. We continue going with our grandchildren today. Stan was Tina were always working hard as were their children. Sorry for your loss. The Madden's.

Linda Wittmayer

February 15, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Ken Ciaccio

February 15, 2011

Stan will be greatly missed. We all loved him. He was always a good man.

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