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University of Connecticut University of Hartford

Chip Stotler Obituary

STOTLER, Chip Chip Stotler, 42, of New Hartford, died on Friday, (July 29, 2005) as a result of the multi-vehicle accident in Avon. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of over 20 years, Ellen (Driscoll) Stotler, and his five remarkable daughters, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy, and Kelly, who all have his beautiful blue eyes and incredible sense of humor. Chip received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from UConn, and earned his sixth year degree in Administration from the University of Hartford. He was trained in Adventure Education and also was a certified Wilderness First Responder. Chip was an Assistant Director at the Gengras Center, a special education school at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford. In addition to his wife and children, Chip will be terribly missed by his mother, Bobbie Stotler of Old Saybrook; his father, Paul Stotler of White River Junction Vermont; his sister Lorie McGarrahan, her husband John and their daughters Kelsey and Darby of East Haddam; and his brother John and his wife Laura of New Haven. He is also loved by an expansive group of friends and extended family. Chip had a tremendous love for life and enjoyed skiing and surfing with his family. He was a self-taught wood craftsman who created beautiful birdhouses and other wonderful pieces of art. In addition to his engineer's cap, his outrageous but well appreciated sense of humor was his trademark. Chip was an extraordinarily loving and caring husband, father, brother, son, and friend who will be greatly missed by all. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. at the Kenney Funeral Home on Maple Avenue in Norfolk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at The Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chip's memory may be made to the Stotler Children's Trust Fund, c/o Ironwood Capital, 200 Fisher Drive, Avon, CT 06001.

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

Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 1, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Chip Stotler

99 Entries

Tim hatch

September 25, 2022

i lived 3 houses down from chip, on root rd. Coventry ct. He an his family were great people.. he will surely be missed by all that knew him.

Cheri Drinkwater (Mantovani)

July 28, 2006

To the Stotler Family:

I am so sorry about your loss. Of course we all knew of the avon accident but I never knew until today that Chip was in that accident. Needless to say I was in shock. I went to camp with Chip when we were 16-17 years old. He and I were camp couselors together and he was always doing things to make us laugh. Chip had a great outlook on life and I am so glad that he had such a fulfilled one. May God bless you all and keep you safe.

Heather Holliday

October 3, 2005

Ellen,

I've been trying to think of what to say to you. I guess some things just can't be put into words. I just want you to know that you and the girls are always in our thoughts and prayers. Since I've known your family I have admired your loving and supportive way with each other and your girls. I can only hope to someday have what you had with Chip. Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Kelly, and Cassidy are a testament to the love and respect that you and Chip shared. I know that you and the girls will get through this tragic and difficult time because you have faith, love and strength. Your memories of Chip will be a constant brightness in your life and the girls as well.

Warmly,

Heather, Avery and Alexis Holliday

Toni Johnson

September 28, 2005

To the Amazing Stotler Family:

Though nearly two months have passed since Chip was taken from your world, please know that Chip is not forgotten and you are not alone.

Chip was by all accounts a truly remarkable son, brother, husband, father, friend and mentor to all whose lives he touched. Few people can leave the world so young and have had such an inspiring impact on the lives of so many. Ellen, Bobbie, Lorie, John, Johnny and Laura, never forget that Chip was the awesome person that everyone has written about here because of the love and strength shared by all of you in good times and in tough times. Each of us is a product of the inputs in our lives. It is each of you who helped to make Chip the person he was. Your love, support and compassion are evident in the solidarity and strength you have shown as a family.

Continue to weave your love with memories of Chip's compassion, sense of humor, strength, and joy for living. In this way, Chip will never truley be gone and his spirit can continue to shape the lives of his most precious gifts to this world in Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy and Kelly.

Our thoughts are ever with you.

Love,

The Johnson Family

Heidi Wormstedt

August 31, 2005

TO MR. STOTLER'S FAMILY- YOU DON'T KNOW ME. I KNEW MR.STOTLER FROM GENGRAS CENTER.SORRY I COULDN'T GO THE WAKE.

HEIDI WORMSTEDT

[email protected]

Lee and Ann Church

August 30, 2005

Dear Ellen and Girls,

If we ever met Chip it would have been when he was very young and it would have been at the elder Stotlers' (Paul and Sadie) home in Norfolk. Bob Stotler married my sister Ruth, so we have a connection. In any event, we are so sorry to hear of this tragedy and our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you.

God Bless You,

Lori Vranes

August 20, 2005

Dear Bobbie and family, First of all let me express my sympathy to you and all of your family and friends for such a devastating loss. Bobbie I worked with you (I think) many years ago at Seaside Regional Center. I was a music therapy intern around 1984 and I worked with your class. I still have a picture of your group sitting at the picnic table outside of your room. When I read the newspaper article with the name Chip Stotler the last name sounded familiar and when I saw Bobbie Stotler from Old Saybrook I was pretty certain I knew you. Your son sounded like a remarkable husband, son, father and teacher. I work with individuals who go to school at the Gengras Center and I can remember meeting your son. May God give your family the strength to go on without him. May his memory be eternal. God Bless you.

HEIDI WORMSTEDT

August 17, 2005

I REMEMBER CHIP STOTLER AT THE GENGRAS CENTER. HE WAS A NICE MAN. THE CLASS OF 2005 WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM. THE SENIOR CLASS TO OUR SENIOR OVERNIGHT TRIP AND WE HAD SO MUCH FUN.FROM HEIDI WORMSTEDT

Carol Carter

August 16, 2005

To the Stotler Family

My son, Ryan King, goes to Gengras Center and I have only known Chip for a year. We got this horrifying news when we were on vacation. We are so sorry for your loss. Chip was a wonderful man and loved his family very much. I loved looking at the pictures in his office of the family. Gengras Center will have a hole in it's heart with the loss of Chip; all the kids loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

Carol Carter & Ryan King

Carlos & Norma Zuniga

August 13, 2005

To the Stotler family;

I knew Mr. Stotler through my younger brother, Al, who attended Gengras Center and through my mom who knew Mr. Stotler as Al's teacher. I know the impact Mr. Stotler had on my brother, who despite having graduated from Gengras a couple of years ago, still remembers Mr. Stotler fondly. Just a few days before the accident, Al was asking specifically for Mr. Stotler and wanted to see him.

Words could never express my gratitude for the patience and dedication Mr. Stotler had with many children but especially with Al.

One thing I am sure of, if what we do on earth guarantees our place in Heaven - then Mr. Stotler is definitely in Heaven!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 11, 2005

Godspeed Chip. You were such a great person and an inspiration to all who knew you.

August 11, 2005

God bless~

Jeffrey Ricard

August 8, 2005

To Chip's family -

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a childhood friend of Chips from Coventry, and as fate would have it began thinking about him several months ago. I started to search for Chip on the internet, just to say hi. It was hard to hear the news about a friend I began to search for. Please find comfort in the fact that Chipper was liked by so many and will be missed by so many more. Goodby my friend.

Kevin, Laynee, Emily and Meghan Parsell

August 6, 2005

We can't even begin to tell you how sorry we were to hear about Chip. As we watched the details of the horrible accident unfold, we only prayed that it wasn't someone we knew. I had just seen Chip at the grocery store with the twins the week before and I will always remember him as being a wonderful dad. His smile and quick wit will be missed by all. Although it's been a while since our girls were in Giant Steps with Casey and Kiley, we all still remember how happy your family always appeared. May you and the girls know that you were blessed to have someone as wonderful as Chip in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Olga Tota

August 5, 2005

Dear Ellen, Casey, Kiley, MacKenzie, Cassidy and Kelly

We are so sorry for your terrible loss. Casey, my daughter Ariana goes to school with you. When I told her about your daddy, she said she remembers you told her once how funny your daddy was and that he was always telling jokes. She also said that you must remember that he will always be watching over all of you. Always.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.

Love,

Olga, Joe & Joey Tota

Ariana & Damian Powell

John Stotler

August 5, 2005

I just want to thank you all on behalf of my family. The support we've gotten from people over the last week has been (at times, literally) overwhelming. We knew that Chip reached a lot of people, but to see so many of them at once really brought it home.

Your help and support has been vital to our ability to continue to function, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The girls give us the strength we need to give it right back to them, and through this cycle we will manage to go on.

Nothing can bring him back. That's the hardest thing to grasp. He's gone. A life isn't something to take for granted, you never know when it'll be snatched away. So what can we do?

Keep smiling and laughing. Make sure everyone around you does the same. Make sure that if you love someone, they know it. Tell them, and even more importantly, show them. Every day.

Now go call your mothers. :]

Judy (Rusty) (Skinner) Robbins

August 5, 2005

Dear Bobbie -

It's been a long time since we have been in touch. You were my gym teacher at Old Saybrook High and we caught up with each other when Richard and I lived in Harwinton and you were in New Hartford.

You always spoke so fondly of Chip and your girls. And, although, I only met Chip a few times when he was in High School, I knew how special he was in your life and in Paul's. Why do the worest tragadies befall the nicest famalies.

You are in our hearts and in our thoughts and, of course, in our prayers.

Judy and Dick Robbins

Mike, Claudia and Adam Barbuto

August 5, 2005

To the Stotler family,

You have our deepest sympathies. We knew Chip through the Gengras Center and know that his presence will be missed.

Cindy Rosenbluth

August 4, 2005

Dear Ellen, Bobbie & Girls--Chip was a gentle, kind, beautiful soul--a man with integrity and a much loved sense of humor. He always saw the beauty in everything and everyone. I often talked about him at home to my husband. Just last week I mentioned to Chip how our family was going up to Hampton Beach. As you all were to be going there at the same time he invited me to come watch you all surf at North Beach. Chip was just that kind of guy. He said just look for my truck and come on over. Both my husband, Dave and I were looking forward to meeting all of you. Chip talked about you and the girls so often always with such a loving glow in his eyes. Though this never came to pass, my family did venture up the coast past the big wall. Though my heart was heavy, I thought about Chip riding those waves. Some how I believe his spirit was there, too. I often sat on that wall as a little girl watching the surfers in awe. God's country as some might call it. I hope you and the girls go back there some day soon. It was so peaceful. Thank you Ellen and family for sharing Chip with all of us. We're all the richer for knowing him!--May God bless you & keep you all safe--Cindy Rosenbluth

josh mears

August 4, 2005

I had the honor of meeting chip when i was at the gengras center i was the calss of 2002 i really enjoyed his endless firendship he was the one that got me hook on the billy bob teeth we had great times with those really funny teeth iam going to miss him alot he allway have a specail place in my hart all ways and for ever chip rest in pice buddy of mine firend of mine

Charles Blow

August 4, 2005

Dear Ellen and kids,

Chip first touched my life when he and his family first moved to New Hartford from Coventry many years ago. Chip was always up for staging a well thought out prank, and the best part was that they were both harmless and funny! I stand today in awe at the sheer number of lives that Chip had a positive effect on. He was a truly amazing man! I will miss seeing him go by my house on his mountain bike, and will do my part to insure that his legacy goes on.

Sarah, Kevin & Ryan Wilkinson

August 4, 2005

Dear Ellen, Casey, Kiley, MacKenzie, Cassidy and Kelly,

My family would like to say how deeply saddened we are and express our sincere heartfelt sympathies to you all. Chip was a terrific all around guy and a wonderful Father. His outlook on life was extraordinary. I will always remember him with a huge smile and his Engineers hat. He had a way of bringing a smile to your face without even trying. You can see so much of him shine through each of your girls in different ways. You could tell by the way he looked at and played with the girls that he was a truly terrific Dad who loved his family very, very much. He touched so many peoples lives with his kind heart and love of life. I will always remember him bouncing out of Giant Steps, engineers hat on, huge smile and with his girls in tow. When you close your eyes and think of Chip, you can't help but smile. Please know that you and the girls will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kerry Dowd

August 4, 2005

Dear Lorie(Stotler)McGarrahan,

Please accept my condolences for the tragic loss of your brother Chip. Although I never met him, I remember you talking about him with great pride when we were both students at SJC. He was certainly an angel on earth doing God's work in teaching Special Ed.

I'm sure all of the wonderful memories you have of Chip will help you in this difficult time of grief.

Hopefully, it is comforting for you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Kerry(Mor

iarty)

Dowd

Class of '89 SJC

Carol Pietroniro

August 4, 2005

My son, Michael has been a student at the Gengras Center for the past 6 years, and will truly miss the smiles he recieved every day from Chip. He was a very unique and very special person. Our sincerest sympathy to the entire family! "Yesterday is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope."

I am so sorry that I missed the services, but our son has been hospitalized for sometime now in Boston. I will never forget the impact that Chip has had on our son.

With the most sincere sympathy,

The Pietroniro Family

Steven and Theresa Botellio

August 4, 2005

The Stotler family:

Although we do not know your family we were very saddened to hear about your tragic loss. Our family would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Stotler family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace in the loving embrace of family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

jeff craig

August 4, 2005

to the stotler family

i am so sorry for your lost god bless i hope the kids are doing ok

Melissa Dorish

August 4, 2005

Dear Ellen, girls and the rest of Chip's family:

You don't know me, but I wanted to extend my sincere sympathies on the loss of your obviously wonderful, loving and caring husband and father. After reading all of the entries (and being brought to tears the entire time) I felt compelled to share my sympathies. My Uncle Billy passed away two summers ago when his large truck lost its brakes on a hill. Fortunately, no one else was killed. But this accident brought back all the memories and reminded me how precious life is. From all the entries, it sounds like Chip was a man I would have liked to know. May the memories of him stay with you all for a lifetime and give you the strength to move forward despite his loss.

Marianne S.

August 3, 2005

To the Stotler Family ,

You don't know me , you are in my prayers at this difficult time .

Tammy , Mark & Conner LaBreck

August 3, 2005

Ellen,

Our family would like to express our deepest sympathies to you, the girls and your family. You could tell by the way Chip played with the girls he was a great father. You could also tell what a great father he was by looking and talking to your girls. He obviously touched the hearts of both children and adults with the way he loved life and family. We will always remember him fondly and can still picure him with his train hat on dropping off the girls at daycare or horsing around on the sidelines at basketball practice on the floor of the gym. We hope that each memory and thought brings happiness to you and your family and you are in our hearts and prayers.

Karen Poulin(Rapalje)

August 3, 2005

Dear Ellen, girls and the Stotler family, our entire family was so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Brian always speaks so highly of Chip and enjoyed the trips you made to Vermont. We all have seen the girls artwork hanging in his house and have laughed at the "Rapalje Ranch" message on his answering machine that Chip recorded. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this tremendously difficult time.

The Rapalje Family

Brian Drexler

August 3, 2005

I went to Gengras and was a student of Mr. Stotler. Mr. Stotler was one of my favorite teachers. We shared a lot of time together during reinforcers, job sites, shop class, & general discussions. I constantly think of Mr. Stotler and I am really sad to hear of his passing. I am really sorry for your loss. Mr. Stotler will always have a special place in my heart.

Jon and Rachel Clasemann

August 3, 2005

The Stotlers: Bobbie, Ellen and the girls, Laurie and John,

Although I didn't know Chip well, please know that I am thinking of you often, and my husband and I are keeping you all in our prayers. We couldn't make it back for the services, but are there with you in spirit and I hope that my Dad conveys our love to you as well. Chip and I actually share a birthday, so I will be thinking of him now on that day, and many others I'm sure. The world will miss such a special man.

Rachel (Stotler) and Jon Clasemann

(Bob's daughter)

Louis Castellani

August 3, 2005

Ellen and the girls,

My family and I are thinking of all of you every spare moment we get.We are so sorry about your loss and it's a great loss to others as I can see how loved he was by the outpouring of grief. I knew Chip in high school and skiing only slightly, but I got to know him better through coaching Casey and Kiley in softball. He was always eager to help even though he admitted not knowing much about the game.I've coached alot of kids, but Casey and Kiley were a rarity as they were polite and always trying their best,listening,learning with earnest.And most of all they were always smiling and I attribute alot of that to Chip.He was a great dad,friend and role model for your kids as you are too.He will be sorely missed by all,but we cannot forget him as he is the kind of person we need in this world to be a kinder,gentler,happier place.With a heavy heart I leave you with this poem:

We little knew that morning,

God was going to call your name;

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

You did not go alone;

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide;

And though we cannot see you,

You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same;

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

All of you will be forever in our prayers.

Lou & The Castellani Family

Kathy & Dale Martin

August 3, 2005

Dear Stotler Family,

You are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. Our children attend daycare with Cassidy and Kelly, and every time we saw Chip rounding up the gang, we marveled at your beautiful and happy family. It was clear how devoted and loving a father he was. We are deeply touched by your loss and wish you strength and courage.

With deep and heartfelt sympathy,

Mary Catherine Carey

August 3, 2005

Dear Ellen, the girls, and all of Chips family,

Your husband, father, brother, and son was truly one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met. I pray God grants you the courage and strength you need during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Mary Catherine Carey

Judy Hughes

August 3, 2005

we've never met but I felt compelled to reach out. My husband was also killed in an accident on that same road 3 years ago. He was 45 and he left 3 beautiful children. I just wanted you to know that I have been where you are and know how incredibly painful it is. But you should also know that you will be ok. Although you can't imagine it now happiness is waiting for you.

Roberta Echelson

August 3, 2005

Chip was one of the first people I met in 2002, when I started working at Saint Joseph College. He was a great introduction! Always enthusiastic and creative, his sense of joy bubbled over to just about everyone he met. He was certainly a realist - but he chose to focus on the people and things he truly cared about - giving them his all. And his all was pretty powerful. Watching him in action brought smiles & laughter. He lightened our load and set an example of loving, giving, and sharing that reminded me to loosen up a little and let the love shine through. (For that, my daughter thanks him.) Chip was larger-than-life, uncontainable, and joyful. He didn't just pass through life unnoticed, but made a real difference. He will be missed greatly - but I, like many others, will always be grateful that Chip was a presence in our lives.

Elgin Clock

August 3, 2005

Words cannot express how much Mr. Stotler meant to me. While I was a student at Gengras, he was one of the funniest and coolest people I knew. He was always ready to bring a funny story into the conversation, or just there to push all of us a little more to realize our full potential. I will miss his smile, and his easy-going personality he had.

My sincerest sympathies go out to the Stotler family, and all of Chip's friends and colleagues.

He will be sincerely missed.

mary thebeault

August 2, 2005

dear the stotler family, i am very sorry for your loss. he was a real good man. he helped me out alot when i was a student at gengras center and i will never forget that. i will always have you and your family in my toughts

from ,

mery thebeault

Teri

August 2, 2005

To the Stotler Family,

You do not know me, but know that even strangers are very saddened by your tragic loss. I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill and Donna Vosmer

August 2, 2005

Dear Stotler Family,

We are so terribly sorry for your tragic loss of Chip. We were fortunate to have known him through working with him. Chip was unique and such a wonderful person -- his wit, intelligence, warmth, love, empathy, sense of adventure will be missed.

With deepest regrets and profound sorrow for your loss,

Christina Zuccaro

August 2, 2005

Dear Stotler family,

We were shocked to hear of the accident that took Chip's life. There are no words to describe the sadness and sympathy we are feeling for you. Although we didn't have the honor of getting to know Chip well,we will remember him always with one of his girls on his shoulders and a big smile on his face. The deep love he had for his family was evident. Our heart goes out to you all and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely Christina,Eric,Brandon & Taylor Zuccaro

mary kyle

August 2, 2005

I met CHIP WHEN MY DAUGHTER MARY WENT TO SCHOOL AT THE GENGRAS CENTER. SHE LIKED HIM A LOT OF ALL THE PEOPLE THERE CHIP WAS ONE OF HER FAVORITE PEOPLE SHE WAS SAD WHEN SHE HEAD WHAT HAPPENED .SHE WILL MISS HIM ALOT. HE WAS A BIG HELP TO ME ALSO .I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND YOU WILL BE IN MY THOGHTS AND PRAYERS .I WILL NEVER FOGET CHIP WE WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HIM . MARY KYLE HARTFORD CONN.

Kathleen Tonan-Droney

August 2, 2005

To the entire Stotler Family-

All of you have been in my thoughts and prayers from the moment I learned that you had lost Chip. I don't think anyone who has ever gotten to know Chip will ever forget his smile and humor. Even now, 20 years or so since I've seen him, I can picture his smile so vividly. I am so saddened, upon reading of his life, that I never had the chance to meet the wonderful man he became. My heart breaks for all of you.

Kathi

Maria Coulombe

August 2, 2005

Ellen, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy, and Kelly:

Our deepest sympathy is with you all at this time. I'll miss Chip's visits into the office.

Maria, Sarah, Matt, and Kevin

danny lbrek

August 2, 2005

stolter you were my hero and i am going to really miss you god bless family my heart go's out to you

Helen DuPerry

August 2, 2005

I want to express my deepest sympathy to The Sotler Family. I had only met Chip one time back in Dec of last year at the Christmas play that I went to with my daughter Carol. He will be greatly missed by all. God Bless you all!

After Glow

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an after glow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who

grieve,

to dry before the sun

of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

Lenore Case

August 2, 2005

Dear Ellen,
My children Crystall, Alex and Anthony went to Giant Steps with your girls. I can still remember being in awe of you and Chip and the way you so skillfully and happily managed 5 little ones in and out of Giant Steps every day. The patience and love I saw in you both remains an inspiration to me to this day.

Kevin and I were shocked and deeply saddened when we learned of your loss of Chip. We both remember him as a devoted father and husband who always had a smile on his face.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lenore Case

josh mears

August 2, 2005

To the Stotler famliy,

I am very sorry to here about the loss of Chip. Chip was a very good friend and teacher to me, he was very funny, and a nice person. He cared alot about the kids of the Gengras Center and his famliy. I enjoyed his company alot when I went to the Gengras Center. If you need anything please do not hesitate to e-mail me or call me at 1(203)879-0468. Josh Mears

Lori (maiden name Taylor) Piascik

August 2, 2005

Ellen & Family,

After reading about your loss in the paper, my heart aches for you and your family. I believe we worked together years ago at Aetna. I can only imagine the pain and suffering that you are all enduring. I lost my only sibling unexpectantly on 12/26/04, he was 41. Tenderly… may God's love heal your sorrow. Gently… may the prayers of friends ease your hurting. Softly… may God's peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.

Jen (Barker) Richardson

August 2, 2005

I just found out last night about the horrible accident and that Chip was one of the victims. I didn't know Chip personally but his cousin, Jill, is a friend of mine from school days and I remember riding the bus with his sister and brother. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the knowledge that he touched so many lives.

Mr. & Mrs. Rivera

August 2, 2005

Dear Stotler Family,

While reading the obituary and the on-line guest book, we are very saddened to see the wonderful family and group of friends Chip left. He was obviously a wonderful father, husband and friend. We send our deepest sympathies to the Stotler family and to all of his friends. We also wanted to share these few words.

And if I go, while you're still here . . . Know that I still live on, Vibrating to a different measure Behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, So you must have faith. I wait the time when we can soar together again Both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart, . . . .I will be there.

Norma Castro

August 2, 2005

My condolences to the Stotler Family

My son Alfredo Carrion graduated from the Gengras Center in 2003 and Mr Stotler was his hero. Last week he asked me twice to go to Gengras to visit him, I was so busy at work, I told him we will go next week,,,,that will never happen...Thank you Mr. Stotler for making a difference in my son's life...Alfredo, myself, my daughter Norma and my son Walter will never thank you enough your kindness and devotion to your students. We know for sure you are in God hands. We love you

Castro-Carrion Family

Raye Bohn

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy and Kelly, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had the honor of working indirectly with Chip at Gengras. He was a wonderful fun filled man who adored his family. I remember when Kiley and Mackenzie where born how excited and proud he was of his girls. He was wonderful with the students at Gengras. I will always have the mental picture of Chip with his engineer hat on and a hammer in hand. May God protect and help you throught this very difficult time. God Bless you all.

hector vasquez

August 1, 2005

to the stolter family

sorry for your lost you will always be in my heart

Sheri

August 1, 2005

To Ellen and the Girls

Your in my thoughts and prayers. Chip will be missed by us all at Giant Steps.

Laurel Kendzior

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy and Kelly,

To say that we are devastated at the of your husband and your father is an understatement and perhaps selfish, giving ourselves some little ownership over Chip we don’t deserve. We were in fact, only his friends and you have been his everything. But your Dad treated his friends very well, because he was a beautiful soul filled with joy. It is not fair that some of us knew him longer than you. I am sorry for the years you will miss being together in body on this earth. We would often say, “Wouldn’t it be great to have Chip as a Dad?” He talked about his girls and their ballet and softball and building projects. He spoke of Ellen with devotion. Every time his wife or children were the topic of conversation, his blue eyes sparkled with joy and you couldn’t stop the smile or the laugh. We knew your house was alive with fun and joy and very smart ladies. He was always proud of you.

You may not know why we thought of him as a great Dad. Well, we saw him not just as a teacher who could guide the students but a man with a heart so large he treated his students with the love of a father. He offered nothing less than sincere dignity of spirit, wise counsel, and a joyous spirit to each Gengras students … and each Gengras friend. He taught through conversations and experiences and adventures. He showed the students that they truly could play hard, play safe and play fair while having fun and learning who they are and who they could become. He showed them how to work together, in a way that defied conventional wisdom of competition or typical success. He helped lead kids in defining group goals and creating alternative types of success. He taught how to fail forward, not getting stuck in a missed goal but learning how to move through a tough experience and come out on the other side better than you had hoped.

Chip was a man not afraid to fight the good fight through peaceable means. He has confronted his share of bullies. There were a few things he could not abide: misuse of power, deception, intolerance… He worked with young and old to find peaceable solutions to problems, even if it took years for the lessons to be learned, he persisted in teaching character development, how to live your life with joy and without fear, how to be your best. He was a master in the art of living life fully and in harmony with God’s grace.

Our original plan had been to watch Chip grow old with Ellen, raise his lovely daughters and to be a part of his life for years to come. That is no longer possible. Chip would advise us to move forward by choosing a new goal. Start by confronting the loss. Work as a team. What tools do we have available to make this happen? How can we adjust to deal with changing information and ideas. We may feel like we are failing in our attempts to comprehend this loss. For a while we may get stuck in disbelief, anger, confusion. At different speeds, and in different manners, we will eventually move forward. We will someday come to accept the loss of our beloved friend. The truth is, we will only be able to get through this together. Someone will fill his position at Gengras…but no one can replace Chip in our hearts.

Girls, when you are older, and are trying to remember the kind of man your Dad was, I want you to know this. He was the best kind of man there is. We thank you and your Mom for sharing him so generously with us. We grieve with you and pray for you. May God help you come through this experience with the love of your mother and the memories of your Dad. Live life fully, Laugh often and spread joy wherever you go. At the end of this wonderfully lived life, we thank you Chip. You played hard. You played safe. You always played fair and you taught us how to have fun. God Bless You.

Love, Laurel, Alan & Michael Kendzior

Eileen Kruczek

August 1, 2005

Ellen,

Although we did not know your family we were very saddened to hear about the tragic loss of your husband. Our family would like to extend its deepest sympathies to you, your daughters and the rest of your family at this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace in the loving embrace of family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

heidi wormstedt

August 1, 2005

i remember him from gengras center. he was fuuny guy. i will miss him. -heidi 8-1-05

Julie Briere & Family

August 1, 2005

Dearest Ellen and Girls,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I adored Chip for his wonderfully warm personality and his ability to face life each day with a smile. I spoke to Chip the day before my departure to Ireland and asked him if he would like anything - his request - "Check out the surf for me." I will do as he requested and will also make a special pilgrimage to Knock to pray for Chip and participate in a Mass dedicated to his memory.

With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers

Gary Hopkins

August 1, 2005

Ellen, our deepest sympathy goes out to you and the girls from me and my family. I had always hoped to reconnect at some point with my “old” friends in the area, but always put it off for work or some family commitment. I think the last time I saw you and Chip was at your wedding. I wish I had made a better effort to get in touch.

Chip had a great gift, such a unique and contagious sense of humor. Since I knew him for many years growing up when our minds are so impressionable, he probably had one of the greatest influences on my sense of humor. Over the years I have recalled some of Chip’s antics to my kids for a good laugh. Like the time most of the furniture started “disappearing” from the lounges at Regional. Who else would have been involved in a prank like that, harmless but way too funny? The story still makes me laugh even 20+ years later. When we were kids I can remember Chip saying “we need to have some good stories to tell our kids”. Now I know what he meant. He gave me some great ones, and a precious gift, the ability to share a good laugh with my kids. Unfortunately, this weekend, I had to tell them that “that buddy of mine” in the stories was Chip. They say that people live on through their kids. Chip was so special that he will live on through your girls, you, his friends, and most people that he met in life.

This probably isn’t too comforting, but I wanted to let you know that he was very special to us even after all these years and that we share your grief.

Gary, Ann-Marie Hopkins, and family.

Margaret Curtiss

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen-

I cannot stop thinking of you and the girls. I hope that somehow you will find comfort from your friends and family.

With Love - Margaret

Lylah Franco

August 1, 2005

To the Stotler Family:

I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I remember meeting Chip at John and Laura's wedding and he did have a great personality and sense of humor. I can see that he will be missed by many people. I hope you will find comfort in your lovely family.

Lylah (friend of Laura Stotler)

Patrice & Amanda Hamilton & Brooks

August 1, 2005

Dear Stotler Family

We are so sorry to hear the terrible news about Mr. Stotler. He was such a vividly buoyant person full of fun and mischief. We have your family in our thoughts.

Marcia (Trueworthy) Baldwin

August 1, 2005

My heart goes out to the whole family. I knew Chip as a teenager when my family would go skiing with the Statlers. He was a terrific kid. Even though my children were youger than Chip, he was always so good with Shelly and his brother, John.

I'm sure he was a wonderful husband and father. You were so blessed to have him, even though it was not long enough.

Bobbie, Paul, Lorie and John, I'm so sorry this happened and am thinking of all of you at this sad occasion.

Paul Darasz

August 1, 2005

Dear Stotler family,

I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Chip a few times while doing renovations at Gengras. Though I did not know Chip well, I thought of him as a kind, down-to-earth fellow with a wonderful personality. Chip will be sicerely missed but never forgotten.

Respectfully,

Paul J. Darasz

Nicole LaRosa

August 1, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the Stotler Family. I have known Chip for the last three years through my work at Saint Joseph College. He had a wonderful spirit about him and a great sense of humor. Chip was the first person to come running over to the Admissions Office with a bag full of activities and a mind full of ideas for us to use during our many campus events. He was a wonderful member of the college community. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Kristen Darch (Maiden name-Goodman)

August 1, 2005

I knew Chip from the Gengras Center, where I used to work several years ago. I was deeply saddened to learn what had happened to him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I too remember Chip's "engineer hat" and his wonderful sense of humor,love of life and his dedication to his students. God bless you.

Dede Pope

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy and Kelly.

I am so sorry about the tragic loss of your husband and father. I had the distinct honor and privledge to work alongside Chip at the Gengras Center, a special ed. day school at Saint Joseph College. Chip was a muse----making an indelible mark on all who met and knew him. His extrodinary charm and quick wit, humor and kind heart made you rise to the occasion and do your best as a human being. Chip will be sorely missed. Treasured memories, Sincerely, Dede Pope

Lee Pandolfe

August 1, 2005

To Chip's family, you don't know me, but I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your extended family. I went to UConn as well, and I am a former teacher and social worker.

Genna Lewis

August 1, 2005

Ellen,

I am sorry for the loss of chip. I have known Chip for many years and was a studunt at the Gengras center. What i will always remeber about him was his sence of hummer and how he loved life.

Rob Parenti

August 1, 2005

Dear Stotler Family -

I am truely sadden by this loss. chip was a great man and friend to me when I needed it. You all will be in my prayers.

God Bless

Ms. Merle Coughlin

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen and family, My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your husband, father, brother and son. I am a graduate and former teacher of St. Joseph College (before Chip was there). I just wanted you to know that I have been praying for you constantly since I heard of the accident. May the Lord support you at this time of enormous loss. Merle Coughlin

Richard Alfonso

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen;

I will miss Chip tremendously and our school will never be the same without him. Chip brought to Gengras joy, happiness and a great deal of humanity. His outlook on life was a healing factor for us after a period of uncertainty and sadness. Chip accomplished more in that short time at school than many do in a whole career span. He loved the kids and it showed.

I will be forever greatful to him for his friendship and kindness to me. I will think of him often and I wish you and you're beautiful daughters peace and happiness.

Sincerley,

Rick Alfonso

Jeanne Van Schaack

August 1, 2005

I had the honor and privilege of working with Chip at the Gengras Center a few years ago. What I will remember most was the way his face lit up when he talked of his wife Ellen and his beautiful girls. The greatest gift he gave his children was his tremendous love and respect of their mother. It is a gift they will all have forever. I read a quote once that I feel fits at this very sad time.

"ON A DAY THAT LOOKED LIKE ANY OTHER DAY, SOME ONE LIKE NO ONE ELSE CAME ALONG AND MADE LIFE INTO SOMETHING THAT WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME."

He truly touched the lives of all who met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stotler family at this difficult time.

Love and Peace,

Millie Rocco

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Chip. Ellen I met you when Chip and I worked together at the Grace Webb School and then the Gengras Center. We took our sixth year classes together at U of H. I can't imagine what you're going through but I am praying for you. I know Chip is at peace with God and I pray God will give you and your family the strength to endure this. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Chip will be missed so much. Love, Millie Rocco

Brenda Grogan

August 1, 2005

My daughter Lacey played softball this past season with Kiley and Casey. We met Chip at the practices and my daughter Leann loved to get underdogs from him on the swingset, as well as play with Mackenzie. My family and I wanted to express our sympathy to the entire Stotler Family. May God ease your pain, and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~~ Lane, Brenda, Laura, Lacey and Leann Grogan.

Karin LaMontagne

August 1, 2005

Our heart goes out to you Ellen, your daughters and extended family on the tragic loss of your husband.

Even though we do not know you, we are mindful of the fragility of our lives and the immeasurable value of our families in the wake of this horrible accident. We are praying for you and send you our family's deepest condolences.

Tim Lescalleet

August 1, 2005

Ellen,

Marie and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of Chip. Having been working in the area, it saddens me knowing that I did not endeavor to re-connect.

The notice was lovely. It gave me a smile when I heard that Chip still carried that infamous sense of humor and even continued to wear that engineers cap after all these years.

I have spoken with Phil and Megan, and also Jack. Brian and Jeff are also aware of what happended. We are all planning to either pay a call or attend the funeral.

May God bless Chip and also you and your family.

Linda Gouzounis

August 1, 2005

I have been following the tragic accident that occurred last week and was very sad to hear of your loss. While reading the obituary, I was saddened to see the wonderful family Chip left. Just by the lovely words, he was obviously a wonderful father and husband. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Doug Neumann

August 1, 2005

Dear Bobbie

So sorry for your loss. Everybody here at Seabird, the Board members, staff and families who know you and Lorie are absolutely devasted by this. Never did we dream when we saw the news of the accident that it would involve someone so special to you. There is nothing we could ever say to help you with your loss. I'm so sorry. Doug

David Katz

August 1, 2005

Our deepest sympathies.

David and Shawn

carol sweet'alson'

August 1, 2005

i have nowed chip for 13 years i will miss him so very much and GOD bless i will all was think of you as part of my family

Connie Pierce

August 1, 2005

Ellen:

I've struggled 2 days looking for the appropriate words for you and the girls ~ there are no words that adequately express our heart felt sympathy for the family ~ there are no words to ease your pain ~ there are just NO words ~

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.

God Bless ~

Jeff, Connie and Brynthia Pierce

Robin Koch-Gelzinis

August 1, 2005

Dear Stotler Family,

I am saddened by the lost of Chip.

(I graduated high school with him.)

I remember Chip to be a thoughful and caring person. He always had time to say Hi to me as we passed each other in the hallways.

I am sending out my heartfelt condolences to Ellen, Casey, Kiley, Mackenzie, Cassidy, Kelly and family and friends of Chip.

We will all remember him in our hearts.

Maureen Curtiss

August 1, 2005

When I think of Chip, I think of fun, a dry sense of humour and humility. It seems like he has been part of our extended family since we were kids. He reminded me of Dad, "Uncle Frank" in that he loved his life, his family and made the ordinary extrodinary.

Jennifer Dalpe

August 1, 2005

We are Thinking and Praying for you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.

The Dalpe's

New Hartford, CT

Amy (Rosenwald) Pelchat

August 1, 2005

God Bless all of Chips family. Take care of yourselves and lean on those who love you!. I had the pleasure of being in the same High School as Chip, and though we never associated, I vividly remember his smile.

Dorothy Meggie

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen and family,

I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. I trust your faith and love for each other will carry you through this trying time. My thoughts are with you and may God bless Chip's soul. Love, Dorothy & family

Deanna Hatzikostantis

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen,

I am sorry for your loss. I have worked with Chip for many years. He was a wonderful person, with a fantastic personality and his lust for life. He will be truly missed at the Gengras Center it will not be same without him. The one thing that I remember about Chip was his practical jokes he played on the staff at the Gengras Center. He always made people laugh and brought out the best in all of us. He was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul.

Sincerely,

Deanna Hatzikostantis

Patti/Michael Sinclair

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen,

We pray that you will find strength from Chip and from a place that you didn't know that you had..You and the girls, along with your entire family, will be in our prayers each minute...Please know that so many people care about you and the girls. As alone as you feel, please know that you're not alone...

We send you prayers and blessings that somehow create miracles during this terrible time...

From our hearts,

Patti and Michael

Michael Hatzikostantis

August 1, 2005

Dear Ellen:

I am very sorry for your loss. There are never any right words for a time like this especially under these horrific circumstances. I saw Chip a few times when I came to see my wife at work. He was a fine gentleman. He will be sorely missed. There are no expainations to understand why this happened. What helps me is the fact that GOD's LOVE IS INFINTE and we must put our love and trust in HIM and (if I am not mistaken) JOHN 11: 24-26. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He who believes in him shall never die. Again, my deepest condolences. Deanna will write her own words.

Respectfully and Sincerely,

Michael Hatzikostantis

Hyla C. Sklar

August 1, 2005

Although I do not know your family,my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May G-d give you the strength you need at this difficutl time.

G-d bless you all.

Betsy Sklar

August 1, 2005

I just wanted to express my feelings to all of the Famly of Chip. You don't know me but my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Kathy, Mark and Jordan Stempeck

August 1, 2005

We are all so sorry for the loss of Chip. Our son, Jordan, went to Giant Steps with Casey and Kiley. We saw what a loving father he was and we can't imagine your pain. But we will all pray for your family. God Bless The Stempeck Family

Deborah Quigley

August 1, 2005

I am saddened and heartsick at the loss of this wonderful man. Forever emblazened in my memory will be Chip's sense of humor, wit, and his loving devotion to Ellen and the girls.

linda betances

August 1, 2005

Chip will be missed very much, we were all blessed to know him! He visited Geris often and was a very kind man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls.

May god bless you!

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