Michael Steven Stanton

Michael Steven Stanton, 63, passed away on January 9, 2020 in Alexandria, Virginia. Michael was born on March 12, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Marcian Kalata and Harry Stanton. He was raised in California with his two younger brothers and sister, and married his beloved wife Mary Elizabeth Stanton in 1979. At age 18, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy. He circumnavigated the globe on multiple deployments as a Fire Controlman, Surface Warfare Specialist and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring honorably after a 20-year career. He was a dedicated sailor and patriot serving on the USS Camden, USS Enterprise, USS Midway, USS Nicholson, and USS Arthur W. Radford. His individual decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Michael promoted the importance of STEM education by volunteering while on deployment internationally, visiting orphanages and teaching space and aviation concepts to children. As a recipient of the 1992 Virginia Governors’ Award for Volunteering Excellence, he continued this work after retiring from the Navy in 1994 and developed after-school space shuttle simulation programs at Belvedere Elementary School, the Arlington Science Focus School, and most recently at the Maryland International Day School. In addition to being featured in several newscasts and local newspapers, including The Washington Post, Michael’s work and achievements were highlighted in the book Fly Me to the Moon: Lost in Space with the Mercury Generation by Brian Ethier, published in 1999. He also volunteered with the American Legion. Michael attained his B.S. in Information Systems Technology and continued to serve his country through his second career in the private sector in the Washington, D.C. area. A loving father and doting husband, Michael is predeceased by his wife Mary, and survived by his daughters, Kellie and Katherine; his mother, Marcian Foster (née Kalata); his brothers Thomas and Joseph and sister Patricia; and many close friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and who appreciated his incredible work ethic, his keen sense of humor, and his dedication to his family and community. His favorite quote and life’s motto was by Benjamin Franklin: “You tell me, and I forget. You teach me, and I remember. You involve me, and I learn.” A memorial gathering honoring Michael’s life and legacy will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Charitable contributions in memory of Michael may be made to the Maryland International Day School, to continue his dream of bringing STEM education opportunities to children everywhere through the Mike Stanton Space Shuttle Program. Please visit themidschool.org for more information, or call 301-567-9101 to contact the Development Office and make a memorial donation.