Stuart D. Wooley

Dad was an amazing man, always happy, great outlook on life, just loved everyone. His close friends called him Stu, a name he was proud of.

Stu was the son of Irma and Leon Wooley, born in Ilion, New York. After completion of high school he worked at the Remington typewriter factory as a runner, delivering parts from one end of the factory to the other, getting whatever was needed by the assemblers.

Stu knew an education was needed to become more successful, so he attended Ithaca College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education and continued at Syracuse University where he earned his Master’s degree. And this was no easy task; he worked night shifts to support himself and his family, often working long shifts into the night. He admitted that he fell asleep a couple times on the job, something he was embarrassed to say.

Stu enlisted in the Air Force during WWII and became a MSGT in the USA AF. While stationed in Miami Beach, Florida he met Iris, the beautiful woman who became his wife. One of his proudest accomplishments while in the Air Force was being able to build one of the largest Air Force military Marching Bands of that time, a band of over 100 men when other bands only had 40! His commanding officer wanted to have a very large band, so he told Stu to go out and recruit musicians as needed, and that's just what MSGT Stuart Wooley did.

After his service he began working as a music teacher, and over the many years he worked his way up to be a school principal at Nautilus Middle School and Glades Middle School. Thirty plus years of the school system proved stressful, and during his final principal years his wife Iris battled Alzheimer’s before passing. After a “mild” heart attack his doctor told him to take some extended time off so he could recuperate.

Being away from the stress, Stu realized that life can be good! So he retired and moved to Ocala, a place that he had visited frequently and found to be beautiful, easy paced and most importantly, stress free. He lived in Ocala for over 30 years where he became an avid bowler, forming a team called “Stu’s Crew” on the Tuesday evening league at the AMF Galaxy East Lanes. To this day, the team still carries that name, a testament of how much they loved him. He was well known amongst bowlers and had many good times bowling with them. Stu also bowled on Sunday’s with his family, cheering on every good shot, giving the fist bump for the errant shots. Heck, he’d even call his kids on Sundays to tell them PBA was on TV!

Stu was always excited about traveling, learning, and teaching. His many interests included motorcycle riding, with trips to Las Vegas, Denver, and Maine, plus hundreds of miles on local roads. He enjoyed music, golf, football, tennis, cars and basketball.

Stu always greeted you with a big smile and hello, hoping to begin a conversation as he tried to learn more about you. His skill at conversation was amazing! He was a terrific storyteller. After just a few minutes you knew this man was a good, honest, sincere person.

Stu was known to many simply as Dad; he filled those shoes very well.

We will miss him immensely.

Preceded in death by loving wife and mother Mary Iris Wooley. Survived by 5 children (spouses) - Thor Wooley, Denise Wilsey (Mike Wilsey), Robert Wooley, Val Wooley (Jo Janke) and Tina Brooks (Earle Brooks). Grandchildren Kimberly Wilsey (Wolfe Baerenwald), Tamara Wilsey-Lazarus (Bruce Lazarus), Meagan Wooley (Chris Woolford), Maranda Wooley and Jennifer Beel. Great grandchildren Taylor Wilsey, Benjamin and Zachary Lazarus, Welles and Tybalt Baerenwald.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation be made in Stu's name to either the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.