Richard "Dick" Henry Stofan

Richard "Dick" Henry Stofan was born on April 12, 1931 and raised in Oberlin, OH. Dick was the second child of four born to Andrew Stofan and his wife, Ida Christine (Kelker) Stofan, both from Cleveland, OH. On July 12, 2023, at the age of 92, Dick peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and a life well-lived that included 71 years of marriage that produced four children and five grandchildren.

Dick's journey began in Oberlin High School, where he excelled academically as well as in football, basketball, and track. He continued his education at Hiram College and Carnegie Mellon University, earning a BA in Mathematics and a BS in Engineering. Throughout his academic pursuits, he continued his zeal for athletics, lettering in football and track at both institutions. Even after college, he played service football for the Pensacola Naval Air Station during flight training and participated in the All Services Championship game in San Diego, CA.

In 1952, Dick married Nedra Kingzett, a Hiram College classmate, and they embarked on a lifelong journey together which included numerous cross country moves, sailing adventures around the world, and the development of a family retreat at Crew Rest.

After completing his education, he joined the Pensacola Naval Air Station, obtaining his pilot's certification and serving in Marine Fighter Squadron 333 (VMF-333) with the United States Marine Corps for three years. Upon transitioning to civilian life, he worked at the Union Carbide Research Center, focusing on synthetic fibers, before relocating to Charlotte, NC, with the Celanese Fibers Company.

Throughout his professional career, Dick held numerous manufacturing positions in North and South Carolina. In 1974, he arrived in Greenville, SC, assuming the role of Plant Manager at the Celanese Greer Polyester Film plant. Over the next fifteen years, he effectively managed the Films Division of Celanese, later known as Hoechst/Celanese Films. In 1989, he relocated to Charlotte to oversee the Acetate Fibers Division, where he played an instrumental role in building a joint venture manufacturing plant for cigarette filters with the Chinese National Tobacco Company in Nantong, China.

Having maintained his flight status flying for the North Carolina and West Virginia Air National Guard, Dick retired from the military in 1989, as a Major with over 23 years of dedicated service. Among his military highlights was a memorable tour aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.

Retiring in 1991, Dick embraced his favorite activities, which included downhill skiing, SCUBA diving, golfing, ocean sailing, mountain climbing, and passionately supporting Clemson University sports. He treasured his diving experiences exploring the sunken Japanese fleet in Truk Lagoon and embarked on sailing adventures across Europe and the Western Pacific islands with his friends. Dick took immense pride in witnessing Clemson University football win three National Championships.

Throughout his fifty years in Greenville, Dick was deeply committed to community service and held Director-level positions in numerous civic organizations. He made significant contributions to the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Tech Foundation, South Carolina Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and Freedom Weekend Aloft, leaving a lasting impact on the community he cherished.

Dick is survived by his wife Nedra, brother Andy John Stofan, daughter Rebecca Stofan Godbey and husband Don, sons Scott Henry Stofan and wife Suzanne Youngblood Stofan and Doug Stofan, five grandchildren; Christopher John Godbey and wife Gretchen, Scott Daniel Stofan and wife Rachel, Richard Hunter Stofan and wife Erin, Amy Elizabeth Godbey, and Luke John Stofan and wife Ashlyn, with seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Jane Lou, brother Paul, and son John Daniel. His family and friends will forever cherish his memory and the profound impact he had on their lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the "Stofan Family Endowed Scholarship Fund" of the Greenville Tech Foundation at PO Box 5616 MS 6002, Greenville, SC 29602-5616. This scholarship fund will ensure that Dick's passion for education and dedication to the community continue to make a difference in the lives of future generations.

A "Celebration of Life Event" will be held on Saturday July 22, 2023 from 11:30am - 1:30pm at 6 Whittington Drive, Greenville SC 29615. ** The event will be held outside of the home within a tented area. Please plan to dress accordingly as the temperature on July 22nd is expected to be in the mid to high 90's

When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return - Leonardo da Vinci

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Stofan family.