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Harold Stetson, 92 years old, of Palm City, Florida left this life on December 11, 2017. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol in May of 2001 and his grandson David in July of 1988. Hal and Carol are survived by their 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Our family (Carol and me) of 5 (two girls and three boys) includes my oldest daughter (Diane Baird) with her friend Karen Blue and Diane's two daughters (Jenny Renegar and her husband Daniel), and (Libby Kinsley with husband Travis) and daughter Lorelei. My second daughter is (Dale Turner and her husband Mickey) with their son (Mike Prece and his wife Sarah) and daughter ("PJ" Prece and her significant other Shawn). Of the three boys; my oldest son (Douglas with wife Michele) with their 4 sons, (Steven), (Jonathan with wife Ashley) and their children Grady, Layla and Harper, (Robert and his wife Kristen) and (Kevin). My second son; (Dana and his wife Susan) with their daughter Danice and (Daniel with his wife Annette) and their daughter Samia.
All of these family members plus their "significant others" have celebrated Carol's life every year since 2002 with a reunion, usually held at Hal's home in Palm City as a very special occasion. They along with my sisters Aunt Barbara Wonsek and Aunt Marion Marcik have gathered each year at Thanksgiving time to celebrate Carol's memory. This is always a very special event celebrated by our three sons and two daughters with their offspring and their spouses and significant others.
When our country entered WWII, Hal went directly from high school graduation into the Navy where he served for 3 years. He then finished college and got his undergraduate degree in Physics from the University of Virginia. He then earned his masters degrees in Education (American International College) and Engineering (Rensselar Polytechnic Institute). He had a long distinguished career in Pratt and Whitney as an engineer designing and developing aircraft jet engines, first in Connecticut and then in Florida. He often said that his lifetime at Pratt could not of been better, having had the opportunity to contribute to Pratt's more than 25 jet engines including the engine for the SR71 (his favorite which is known as the "Blackbird"). He retired in 1987 as Vice President of Strategic Planning and New Product Development after 36 years of service. His special love was for the SR71 which was a very unique airplane (and also the prime reason for the family moving to Florida in 1961 after 10 years in Connecticut). He continued his engineering career after retiring as an independent consultant until 1998 when he closed down his consulting business to take care of his wife, Carol, who was terminally ill, suffering from pulmonary fibrosis.
Hal was an enthusiastic boater, with sailing as his prime interest with trawlers as Carol's preference. Both were travelers, going to many exotic and interesting places with Carol. He was a charter member of the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club and was an officer and board member for many years. He served as a senior member and "historian" and "the old man who could answer questions" for most of his life time. Hal was an active church member for all of his married life, serving as an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
The memorial service will be held at the Hobe Sound Community Presbyterian Church at 10am on Saturday, December 16, 2017. The family will receive friends during the memorial gathering at Sandhill Cove following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Treasure Coast Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Aycock Funeral Home Young & Prill Chapel.
6 Entries
December 18, 2017
Acquaintance
Lisa Maurer
Was a pleasure meeting Hal. Always loved seeing him when down to see my parents.
Loved his nightly drink in honor of his wife prior to dinner.
My best to his family.
Lisa Oughterson Maurer
December 15, 2017
Walt Smith
My condolences go out to all Hal's family. It was my good fortune to have worked in Hal's organization at Pratt & Whitney. He had a wealth of knowledge regarding design and development of jet engines, which he readily shared with those of us who had less experience. It was a pleasure working for him.
December 14, 2017
Charlie & Della smith
To the Stetson We are sorry to hear about your loss Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You all. God Bless
December 14, 2017
Peggy Stanley
So sorry for your loss, it sounds like he was a wonderful person and enjoyed many of life's offerings. My thoughts are with his family at this time...
December 14, 2017
Lynne & Bob Coppoletta
Dear, dear Hal. He was a very special person. Through the years at SCYC he was much loved and his company enjoyed on cruises, foreign travel, and Wednesday nights at the club.
As you have now joined with Carol, may you sail on through eternity in God's all mighty hands.
December 13, 2017
I didn't know him well but by daughter loved as if he were her dad. Jean Deal
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