Richard Thomas Stillwell

March 17, 1930 – October 26, 2025

Pacific Grove

Richard Stillwell, affectionately called “Mr. Pacific Grove,” passed away on Sunday, October 26 at the age of 95-1/2 years young.

Considered by many as the patriarch of Pacific Grove, Richard mentored and supported a variety of segments of the community, from individuals to organizations, and thousands undoubtedly have a “Richard story” about a time he came to their rescue in one way or another. The local school district, Pacific Grove Fire Department, and local citizens, in general, have been the grateful recipients of Richard’s time, talent, treasury, and creativity in a wide variety of ways.

Born in Modesto on lucky St. Patrick’s Day to parents Esther Elizabeth Nickerson and Frank Stillwell, Richard moved to Pacific Grove as a teenager, graduating from Pacific Grove High School in 1950. He was a longtime paid firefighter at the Pacific Grove Fire Department, then switched to volunteer fire status upon opening M&S Building Supply in 1961. (“S” stands for Stillwell) eventually being appointed Chief Volunteer Firefighter. In 1973, he earned his general contractor license, and both built and helped to remodel several homes. Five years later, in 1978, he opened Pacific Grove Hardware on Forest Avenue, which today continues to be a family-run, downtown institution.

Richard’s generosity to civic causes was boundless, but perhaps his two proudest achievements were building the Tommy Stillwell Basketball Court at Caledonia Park (named for his son, who passed in 1983) and leading the campaign to build the Stillwell Children’s Pool at Lovers Point. Also, people of all ages have joyfully kicked off the holiday season at the annual Stillwell Fun (formerly Snow) in the Park which he created and generously funded. He also enjoyed decorating the firehouse and lighting the holiday tree each year. The Good Old Days, the PG Triathlon, Big Sur Half Marathon, were just a few of the big events for which he lent a helping hand. A member of the Economic Development Commission, he co-founded the nonprofit PG P.R.I.D.E (Public Response in Dollars for Education) to raise funds to benefit local schools and support student programs. And, despite his advancing age and health, Richard’s interest in improvements never waned. Recently, he organized an effort to refurbish the wood and hardware on City benches, a project that continues to be ongoing.

To recognize his many contributions to the City of Pacific Grove, he was awarded the James Hughes Citizen of the Year by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce in 1995.

An avid traveler, Richard especially enjoyed his seven Alaskan cruises, as well as frequent vacations to Bass Lake with family and friends, indulging his passion for riding his dirt motorcycle around the lake as much as possible. He also was a lifelong blood donor.

Beverly Wilson Stillwell was his high school sweetheart, and the two were married for 64 years until her passing in July 2015. He is survived by his daughters Suzy Derowski (Bill) and Sheri Hauswirth (Bobby), four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Love came his way again with second wife, Sue Kabat Stillwell, with whom he shared many happy times and received her tender care in recent years. He and Sue shared her son, Samuel Kabat (Jodi) and daughter Sarah Kabat Marcy (Michael) and five grandchildren.

Richard’s family is deeply grateful for the love and concern provided by the doctors and nurses at Community Hospital and to the many American Medical Response teams who came to his aid on several occasions over the years.

All are invited to attend a celebration of Richard’s long and productive life on Friday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 915 Sunset Drive, in Pacific Grove. The family suggests any memorial donations be made to PG P.R.I.D.E (P.O. Box 419, Pacific Grove, CA 93950) or Stillwell Fun in the Park (c/o Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 167, Pacific Grove, CA 93950).