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John Stillwell Obituary
FREEVILLE - John 'DAWK' Stillwell, 73, of Freeville, formerly of Ithaca, passed away peacefully Monday, December 21, 2015. He was born on October 23, 1942 in Ithaca, the son of the late Charles and Helen Kordas Stillwell and had been an area resident for most of his life. 'DAWK' as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was currently employed by the band Manowar as an electrical engineer for more than 37 years. DAWK had three extended families, his relatives, his band and his fans. Some of John's passions included his vast movie collection which included numerous vintage 16 mm film projections. These would often be shown to his family and were frequently used by several historical groups in which no one was more astute and knowledgeable of these movies. His authority of knowledge didn't end there as he was an aficionado of trollies, Lionel trains and anything that dealt with both World War I and World War II. Probably DAWK'S most favorite hobby was exploring caves. Besides his many hobbies, his true love was his family, and he cherished every possible moment he had with them. His love of life, sense of humor and charismatic ways will always be treasured by his family and truly never forgotten. Besides his favorite band, Manowar, he also loved Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, and previously worked for Black Sabbath. DAWK was a worldwide 'ROCK' Legend! He is survived by his spouse and best friend, Loraine 'Countess' Cloud; her son, Eric (Katherine) Cloud and their children, Autumn and Colin. He was especially proud of his three children, Judith (Jose) of Mass., John (Amy) of Groton, Tiffany (Doug) Bunzey of Corinth, NY.; his most adored eight grandchildren, Joey, Julia, Taylor, John, Silke, Sasha, Alisha and Raymond Jr.; one great-granddaughter, Ava; two brothers, Charles (Mary Ann), of Freeville, Daniel (Dawn), of Ithaca; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and his extended second family band members Joey DeMaio, Eric Adams, Donnie Hamzik, Karl Logan and everyone at Magic Circle Entertainment. Calling hours for John are this Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. with services to immediately follow at 4 p.m., all at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Stillwell
York Pa Train Show 1980
Robert Seyerlein
December 27, 2019
York Pa Train Show October 1980
Charlie Keating
September 9, 2016
Say hello to Jess Oliver up there. Rock On!
Dennis Mattingly
February 28, 2016
Hail Brother. Rest in peace
Tiffany Stillwell-Bunzey
January 29, 2016
Love you Dad.. Til we meet again..
Bob Seyerlein
December 30, 2015
Although we have not been in touch for several years I have memories of the York TCA train show's, fudge pops in the freezer at my house for your visits to my train room, and of course the Christmas parties in the 80's at my house in Dryden your train movies and other assorted films were the best. All that knew you will miss you!
Gary Loomis
December 30, 2015
It's difficult to put in words what Dawk had meant to so many.
He was a brilliant man and a good friend. Our loss----Heaven's GAIN.
Dawk first row with flag
Pattie Mims
December 28, 2015
Dawk was a man who found his passion in life early. Some never do find it so he was one of the lucky ones. Or perhaps luck had nothing to do with it as he made his own way, lived according to his terms and died doing what he loved. Will always remember you, my cousin Jackie.
Joseph Frascati
December 28, 2015
There was no such thing as a boring conversation or email with John Dawk Stillwell. He always gave me enough info to find my own answers so that my knowledge would be my own. Of course he was so knowledgable and truly born to work his profession that I rarely discovered what he wanted me to find.
I would say that he seemed to have done what he was meant to do and that's the best thing one could want from life.
Dawk was something I visited once, talked on the phone with a lot, and emailed a lot. And he consistently talked about a family of his that I would never meet but that he clearly loved and thought about.
"Over and out" Mr Stillwell.
-Joe
Wendy Wager
December 26, 2015
Countess, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of my time on Ringwood Rd and as part of the Stillwell family. Loved when Dawk set up the movie screen outside and we watched old Three Stooges movies!! Dawk was a fantastic, crazy, adventurous soul. I am proud to have been his sister-in-law once. My girls loved every moment with their gentle giant crazy professor Uncle! Thank you for the memories!!
December 26, 2015
Rest in peace, many thanks for all your contributions to the ground breaking sounds of Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.
Peter Mair. UK
December 26, 2015
Lorraine, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. My condolences to you all. Eileen
Cassie
December 25, 2015
My Heart goes out to Countess, his brothers and the rest of the Family...know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have many fond childhood memories of spending time with him...although it's been many years I still think back to those days and smile. Wish I could've seen him just one more time.
Rest in Peace...in my heart you'll always be my Amazing, Wild & Crazy Uncle Dawk
Mike Thuesen
December 24, 2015
Rock Brother! Peace.
Terry Mingle
December 24, 2015
Condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss - he will surely be missed by many.
Jose, Judy, Joey, (Nicole, Ava) Julia, Moran
December 24, 2015
DAD you are in our hearts. We love you always and forever!!!
Jose, Judy, Joey, (Nicole, Ava) Julia, Moran
December 24, 2015
DAD you are in our hearts. We love you always and forever!!!
Jerry Pinnelli
December 24, 2015
We're so very sorry to hear about the passing of Dawk. He was a wonderful man and a good friend. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Miss you buddy, over and out.
Jerry & Michelle
Joanne and Ed Monroe
December 24, 2015
To the Stillwell Familly,
We are very sorry for your loss, John was a great guy.
Joanne and Ed Monroe
Scott Varga
December 23, 2015
I spent many nights hanging out with John in his trailer working on gear, laughing, eating, talking about life... He was the best at making amps sing, PAs be heard and Hammond organs scream... I learned everything that I know about pro gear from him. After I joined the Whizz Kidds and moved to Syracuse, I built a PA... just the way that John had taught me. When we next played Nightcourt, he made a special trip just to inspect my work. He took about 15 minutes to look over everything... cables, how the Crowns were mounted in the racks, speaker wire gauge and that they weren't coiled, etc. After his thorough inspection, he walked up and stood to my side and paid me his ultimate compliment, "Over designed and over built." and smiled at me. I really loved my time with him, and this world has lost a true Master. Rest in peace, John.
Nancy Wyllie
December 23, 2015
Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.
Nancy Wyllie
December 23, 2015
My heart goes out to Danny, Chuck and family. Dawk has been a part of my life for over 40 years and I will forever cherish the few days we had together reminiscing and sharing our interests in August.
A brilliant man with a mind like no other, he was also an individual who supported and nurtured his friends tirelessly.
I will miss him for the rest of my days.
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