Joseph Stamler

Joseph H. Stamler, Jr., "Joe," passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 83. The son of Judge Joseph H. Stamler and Lillian S. Stamler, he was raised in Summit, New Jersey and Stony Creek, CT. A devoted son and husband, full of charm and surprises, Joe was a citizen of the world in his interests, his passions, his tastes, and his travels.

A graduate of Summit High School and Lehigh University, where he majored in languages, Joe studied at the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Geneva and was one of the first graduate students in Linguistics at the University of Toronto. He later lived in New Jersey where he installed a sculpture incorporating a live water fountain in his living room which looked out on the New York skyline. Working for TWA in the 1960s enabled him to travel to many countries to experience their culture, language, and cuisine.

After moving to New York City in the 1970s, he met the love of his life, his wife Ann. They married in 1987, soon moved to CT to be closer to Joe's family, and eventually settled in Fairfield, where he and his wife have lived for 28 years.

Joe learned and also taught himself many languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, German and some Russian. He was conversant in Danish, and collected the works of Hans Christian Anderson in the original language. He cherished his Danish friends. He could comment on the writing and structure of Icelandic, and enjoyed explaining the history and connection of Swedish and Norwegian.

Music was his passion. He studied librettos before attending operas and scores before attending concerts, but also enjoyed popular music (he wrote a song), country, jazz, and more. He continually discovered new favorite composers, and sometimes told professional musicians about composers they did not know. He played the piano and keyboard by ear, built a harpsichord, and owned a Japanese koto. Discovering poetry in his 30's, he read widely and could recite lines from favorite poems. He enjoyed the visual arts and theatre, and was always eager to appreciate new artists and art forms. A true Renaissance spirit.

Although he worked in several fields, he found himself as a graphic designer creating small business and professional logos, some of which are now familiar in Fairfield County. He was proud of his ability to grasp the essence of a business and translate that into a visual representation. Equally meaningful to him were the relationships he developed with his colleagues and clients.

Joe's most lasting gift, though, was his profound kindness. He loved to help. He could not bear to see a friend in trouble, and searched with tireless imagination for ways to bring relief and cheer.

He is survived by his wife Ann, his brother Paul, his niece Abbi and his nephews Teddy and Reed. Kindness will be the greatest contribution to his memory.

The world is a better place for having had him in it.