Stuart Daniel Gittelman

Army Major Stuart Daniel Gittelman, US Army, a dedicated and decorated Officer of Columbus, Georgia passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 57. He was born on March 12, 1968, in Wilmington, Delaware.

Stu enlisted into the US Army on 31 January 2008 attending Officer Candidate School commissioning as a Second Lieutenant 10 July 2008.

His military assignments included service in Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Polk, Louisiana, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Washington; Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks, Alaska; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Hood, TX

He completed 3 deployments in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. MAJ Gittelman’s military education included Joint Readiness Training Center Observer/Coach-Trainer Course; Intermediate Level Education – Resident; Basic Instructor Training; Tactical Certification Course; Cold Weather Leaders Course; Combat Life Savers Course; Maneuver Captain’s Career Course; Combative Level 1; Airborne, Pathfinder; Contracting Officer Representative; Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course, Armor Officer Basic; Basic Officer Leader Course; and Officer Candidate Course.

His awards and decorations include Bronze Star Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5) Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NATO Medal, Certificate of Achievement, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Army Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (M4, M9, and M17), Basic Army Instructor Badge.

Stu is a graduate of the University of Delaware (1990-1992) Master of Public Administration, Rutgers University of New Brunswick (1986-1990) Bachelor of Arts History and University of Georgia (1992-1995).

Prior to Stu’s military career he served as Executive Director of Delta Phi fraternity. During his tenure as the Director he grew the organization to it's highest number of chapters, he got the fraternity into an insurance program that continues to provide us with excellent stability in the liability insurance market, he raised the profile of Delta Phi by engaging with other fraternity headquarters, he modernized our database, he updated our governance documents, and he just made people feel good about being a member of the fraternity.

A consummate adventurer, he had a passion for skiing and exploring the globe. When he wasn’t traveling the world, his love of the University of Georgia Bulldogs was unmatched and he attended as many UGA football and baseball games as possible.

Stu is survived by his father, Edwin Asher Gittelman; his sister, Gail (Jeff) Daily; his niece, Brooke Daily; his nephew, Aiden Daily; his aunt, Arlene Alter; and his cousins, Howard (Eleena) Alter, Richard Alter, and Lori (Shawn) Levine. He is also lovingly remembered by extended family members and by the many friends, colleagues, and comrades who were an important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leba Gittelman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Foundation, Delta Phi Fraternity, or the University of Georgia Foundation Baseball Support Fund. These contributions will continue Stuart's legacy of passion and support for these causes.