Walter Peter Stan

Walter Peter Stan (Staniszewski) age 89, a resident of Hockessin, DE for 45 years, artist, graphic designer, teacher, cartoonist and storyteller, passed away May 5, 2007. He was born in Wilmington, DE. Sept 9, 1917. Walt Stan's art career spanned 75 years. He defined himself as a "watercolorist" but his artistic endeavors went beyond this media. It began with a young teaching career at the Boys Club of Wilmington, DE and he graduated from Wilmington High School in 1937. He then went on to graduate on a scholarship from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. During this time he was always involved in painting, illustrating and creating his cartoons for various projects that established him as a professional artist. During WWII he worked in civil service at the Emery Riddle School of Aviation and Instrumentation, the Geodetic Survey Division producing aerial maps, Bellanca Aircraft Engineering as a Production Illustrator for assembly line production and the Air Force Ferry Command as an instrument Chief Mechanic and Illustrator. After the war Walt worked for top ad agencies in Wilmington, Philadelphia and New York as an artist/cartoonist and illustrator. He produced ads and illustrations for 17 years with Craig Advertising. He was a lifetime member of the American Watercolor Society and the Philadelphia Watercolor Club. He created commemorative commissions, architectural renderings, and portrait paintings. During the 1960's he was awarded three times the 'Gold Medal' Philadelphia Addy Award from the Philadelphia Advertising Club. His paintings are in many private collections across the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Stan taught art at Salesianum High School for 26 years. His original stained glass windows created in 1971, adorned the chapel at Salesianum, but were recently removed for new construction. He also taught at Mount Aviat Academy in Childs, MD. Walt designed the stained glass windows and refurbished the Stations of the Cross at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. He also produced the designs for the chapel stained glass windows for the Oblates Catholic Center in Childs, MD, which are still in place. Throughout his life he took great interest in religious commissions and art restoration. Walt was a life long learner, avid reader, photographer, gardener, bird watcher, wood carver, inventor, humorist and storyteller. He was a friend to all who met him as he always offered a story and unique observation. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He had tremendous pride in each of his grandchildren supporting their individual talents. Mr. Stan, Walt, Dad, Daddyo, PopPop was truly an original 'out of the box' thinker, always looking at the world from a different vantage point. We will miss Walt's creative presence and know that his gentle creative spirit will swirl among us for many years to come. Walter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years Mary Sodja, Batavia, NY and his brother Edward Staniszewski, Wilmington, DE. He is survived by his sister, Ann Scherer, Wilmington, DE, his loving children, Cynthia (Emil) Stan Mellow of Hockessin, DE, Nadine (Dan) Stan-Boyens of Wilmington, DE, 6 grandchildren, Alexandra, Jacqueline, Phoenix and Kelsey Mellow, Brittany and Brianna Boyens, 5 AFS exchange granddaughters from Italy, Chile, Thailand and Switzerland as well as many other special relatives and friends. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers a donation be sent to Walt's alma mater The University of the Arts, 320 South Broad Street, Phila., PA 19102, attention: Bill Hoblin, Senior Advancement Officer, Development Office.