Ted Floyd Stirgwolt

Ted Stirgwolt, centenarian, died in Salem, Massachusetts on November 5, 2022. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on July 8, 1922. Ted was the fifth child of Floyd John Stirgwolt and Ethel Gertrude (Wright) Stirgwolt. Ted survived his siblings: Robert, William, Virginia Horbaly, and Lucille Rock. He lived in Marblehead at Glover Landing with his wife Frances.

Ted had a competitive spirit and thrived at each challenge. As an undergraduate at Case School of Applied Sciences, he was home studying when President Roosevelt announced the attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into WWII. After four-month accelerated Naval officer training at Annapolis, he shipped out to the Third Fleet, which fought and won several battles in the Far East and Pacific Islands. Ted returned home after the occupation of Japan and graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan with a concentration in jet engine design. This led to a 38-year career at GE in Lynn Massachusetts, Evandale Ohio, and Toulouse France.

General Electric had a great cadre of hardworking engineers, mechanics, and technicians. GE Aviation won several commercial and military contracts, due to their tireless efforts to improve engine performance and elevated service and reliability. These higher expectations changed the aviation industry. Ted led GE Aviation’s programs in Toulouse France between 1982 & 1985. There, he and Frances engaged with the leaders of several European Union aviation companies and international airlines, in support of Airbus’ goal of becoming the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world. Toulouse was the crescendo of his GE career, and he loved every minute of it. Ted kept, throughout his 37 years of retirement, a connection to aviation, at monthly luncheons with retired GE employees.

He won the jackpot when he fell in love with Frances Chandler. Ted enthusiastically stated that his purpose in life was to have fun, which always involved creating and photographing adventures at home, on the water, and on the snow. He was an active member of the Manchester Yacht Club, joining in 1965. He loved singing with the Michigan Glee Club and later with the Manchester Helmsmen.

Ted walked, read, and studied every day. What a run he had with 73 years married to Frances. They together had 4 children, Pam and Peter Warren of Avon CO, Gary, and Jane Brady of Salem, Philip, and Patrizia Rustichelli of Munich Germany, Karen, and Giles Whittell of London, along with 8 grandchildren: Anna, Nellie, Peter, Caitlin, Hazel, Bruno, Louis, and Enzo, and five greatgrandchildren; Lincoln, Christian, Elizabeth (Theia), Marie, and Teddy.

We miss him, his love, and support, but we will never forget him, especially his appreciation of music, or the way he brought joy to life! Burial services are private.