He was born into a military family in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on March 19, 1953, and moved to Ohio, where he would make his home and build a life filled with family, service, adventure, and a lifelong love of learning.
At the age of 18, Stu entered the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Thailand and surrounding areas. He was a member of the Combat Control Team, proudly completing over 100 parachute jumps and was awarded the Airman’s Medal for his heroism in saving others. His years in the Air Force gave him the opportunity to learn many different trades and skills, but his education did not end when his military service did. He was naturally curious and loved teaching himself how to master new tasks. Throughout his life, Stu consistently downplayed his many accomplishments and possessed a quiet, unassuming and reassuring presence.
He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Sergeant in 1975, met his wife, Belinda Schiff, and they married on August 17, 1985. They raised their two daughters in a loving and nurturing environment filled with adventure. Stu became a pilot, flying corporate and personal aircraft and worked as an aerial photographer. Later, he made a career change into technology and became a software analyst, retiring as an Enterprise Architect.
Stu loved to travel with his family, discovering new places and creating memorable experiences. He was smart, and incredibly handy. He was the kind of person who could figure out how to fix, build, or understand just about anything. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would learn how.
Perhaps what those who loved Stu will remember most was the kind of person he was—funny, loving, and kind. He was loyal to everyone and always ready to lend a hand. He consistently gave people the benefit of the doubt—sometimes when it wasn’t necessarily earned—but it was simply who Stu was. His family and friends could count on him, and his presence will be deeply missed.
Stu is survived by his wife of 41 years, Belinda Pressey; daughters, Kristen (Dustin) Stinson and Kara (Josh) Smith; grandchildren, Briella Smith, Brylee Smith and Jett Stinson; three sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Jerry) Valentine, Brenda (Tom) Kehrle, and Beth (Doug) Brown; stepmother, Constance Pressey; numerous nieces and nephews; and two siblings.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stephen Pressey; mother, Keturah Sniffen Wagner; stepfather, Dallas Wagner; father-in-law, Alfred Schiff; and mother-in-law, Lorraine Schiff.
Stu’s legacy of lifelong learning, curiosity, humor, and an adventurous spirit will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him. He will long be remembered as the most humble, modest and kind man you ever could hope to meet. As Stu would say at the completion of every flight, “that’s all she wrote.”
The family will receive friends from 3:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will immediately follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Dallas Waggle officiating.
