Stuart Michael Statler

Stuart Michael Statler, 80, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, with his family lovingly by his side. His death came two weeks after a very sudden decline in his health. Stuart is remembered by his partner, Barbara, and his children, Erin, Andy, and Jenny.

Stuart was born June 15, 1943, in Bronx Hospital in New York and grew up in Yonkers with his parents, Sam and Helen, and brother, Alan. A bright young man with a deep sense of curiosity, he was diligent in his studies from a young age. After high school, he left Yonkers to attend Amherst College. In 1965, Stuart graduated from Amherst College as a Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. Stuart later earned a JD from Harvard University. Early in his professional career, he was Counsel to Senator Charles ("Chuck") Percy. In 1973, Stuart became Chief Minority Counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. His performance on Capitol Hill eventually led President Carter to appoint Stuart to lead the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). He was confirmed by the Senate as Chairman of the CPSC in 1979. The expertise he gained in consumer product safety eventually led Stuart to serve as an expert witness later in life, and it also meant that his kids were never allowed to jump on a trampoline or ride ATVs. After leaving the public sector, Stuart held other prominent positions, including Deputy Executive Director of the American Trial Lawyers Association and Executive Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He spent the last 20 years actively working - right up to his death - as an expert witness on behalf of people who were harmed by consumer products. His work ensured that corporations took extra precaution in making their products safe for retail. His proficiency as an expert witness had a remarkable impact, offering solace and justice to families grieving over loved ones injured or killed due to corporate negligence. His compelling testimony often tipped the scales in their favor, earning him profound gratitude from those he championed. While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, it paled in comparison to his pride in his three children. He was a selfless and devoted father and would support his kids in all their endeavors including academics, sports, and theatrical productions. After his children had grown up and left the house, Stuart and his life partner, Barbara, left their home in Arlington, Virginia to live in Mooresville, North Carolina. Their westward-facing house on Lake Norman allowed Stuart to watch his beloved sunsets every night. Stuart and Barbara made a multitude of friends in the neighborhood, bought a boat, and hosted frequent gatherings with friends and family. One of Stuart's most defining qualities was his interest in people. He had a deep curiosity about the people he encountered day-to-day. Friends and acquaintances of all walks of life felt truly seen by him. He went to bat for people when they needed him. He took great interest in the friends of his children and they would go to him for advice. People trusted his good judgment. He was a mentor. He was sincere. He was wise. Perhaps Stuart's favorite place in the world was the family farm in Front Royal, Virginia, which he purchased when he was 30. He loved spending time on the property and being in nature. He made it a welcoming space for everyone. He had a knack for getting people to take on projects at the farm, like clearing brush or painting the house or building the creek dam. Stuart took immense pride in cultivating the home's communal feel among his friends, his kids, and his kids' friends. On the day he died, there was a radiant sunset over Lake Norman. His presence was felt, as if he was going out on a high note and was still sharing his brilliance and warmth with his loved ones. In the Hebrew calendar, a new day starts at sunset, at the moment when three stars are visible in the sky. Let each sunset be a reminder of the days of Stuart's life, how he treasured his three children like stars, how he embraced Barbara with light and warmth, and how he touched the lives of so many people.

Stuart's memorial service is open to all and will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at the chapel in the Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home (16901 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078). For those who cannot make it in person, a link will be available to livestream the service. The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at his and Barbara's home at 494 Bay Harbour Road, Mooresville, North Carolina.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Stuart's family at KepnerFH.com