George A. Stetson, II

Condolences

Chris Schei lit a candle and writes,
I worked with George Stetson from 2009-2013 when I was the Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County in Wilmington, Delaware. George volunteered at Habitat 1-2 days a week and was considered by staff and others by being a 'Regular', because of his consistent commitment volunteering at Habitat. You would often find George working alongside two others, Bob and Lyle, who were friends both on the jobsites and when they weren't at Habitat. George was an amazing volunteer, always reliable, and a great instructor to those wanting to learn construction. When I talked with George at coffee breaks or at lunch, he would always talk about his days teaching at Tower Hill, his wife Marilyn, Nova Scotia, or his kids and grandkids. When George would plan his annual trip to Nova Scotia, he would always call me to let me know that he was leaving and he would always call me when he returned back. When I moved back home to Seattle, I felt like I was saying goodbye to a grandparent because George was always checking on me and making sure I was cared for. Though I only knew George for those 4 years while at Habitat, he had a huge impact on my life and those at Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.
02/10/2023 09:40 pm
CHARLIE WEYMOUTH writes,
" GA---AGE" always with that Down Easter slant and open greeting, was that quintessence of the "Old School" Teaching Master--Work Hard-Play Hard ----whether playing hockey, coaching, chopping wood---or even Teaching. He had the lauded reputation of not only mastering the subject he taught but knowing Each he taught and loving them. He was the Master of Masters. That last week of his Life, his mind was still quick. We must endure. Our Hearts go out to His Each.
02/12/2023 04:20 pm
John Newlin writes,
George was the quintessential triple-threat independent school man. I was privileged to work side-by-side with this wonderful teacher, coach, and mentor for twenty enriching years. George took his teaching of American history out of the classroom and made it come alive...for years head led a seventh grade hike that traced the paths of the British and American troops as they clashed at the Battle of the Brandywine---George always at the head of the pack, urging his "troops" forward, while I trailed along in the rear, trying to keep up with his pace. Later he organized a magical overnight trip to Washington where we visited Congressional hearings, met with our Senators and Congressmen, hiked at night from the White House to the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials (regardless of the weather), slept at the National 4H Center, then searched the American History Museum in teams trying to find the answers to clues George had provided for a scavenger hunt. The trip also involved herding our fifty or so students onto the Metro to meet our buses that were waiting at an outlying station. Such were the kinds of things George organized and directed. He was a wonderful guy who made the Tower Hill middle school a lively and enriching place for students and teachers alike. To say I'll miss him is a gross understatement, but I'll always treasure the memory of GAS!!!! John Newlin
02/13/2023 08:14 am
Ed Bachtle Jr lit a candle and writes,
Viewed your Dad's obituary this afternoon, and I was deeply sadden to hear of his passing, yet profoundly grateful to have known him. Everything that I remember about your Dad was positive. I think about his poise and fun character - always in a good mood and encouraging. Much admired the initiative, concept, and patience with building the log cabin. Who builds a log cabin in their backyard from trees behind their house? George Stetson! He was so much more than just a teacher. His attitude and heart were in the right place. Richie, Still remember the sleep-overs at your house and the good times with you and your family. I didn't know our Mom had passed until we spoke at the reunion, but she was one I greatly admired as well. I went on one of those historical "Battle of the Brandywine" camping trips with your Dad and have not forgotten about it. Time has flown, yet grateful for it all. Wishing you and your family my condolences, healing, harmony, and peace.
02/15/2023 04:39 pm
Jane Savage Riley writes,
I always knew your dad as Mr. Stetson and he was one of my favorite teachers. My dad was a fellow history teacher at Tower Hill, Ernie Savage. Mr. Stetson was the first teacher to really challenge me in a subject that I loved in middle school. His class was the first time that I realized that there wasn't just one right answer (not just memorizing dates) and he honestly wanted to know what we thought. I tried so hard to get a smile from him with that sidelong twinkle in his eye. I think his class is where I learned to be a brown nose! I have fond memories of being in his class, learning, and beginning to believe in myself as a student. I just wanted you to know that I appreciated your father and felt a tug upon seeing the news that he passed. Hopefully he and my dad are hanging out together...talking about teaching and coaching and missing all of us. I miss them! Best to you all, Janie Savage Riley
02/15/2023 05:44 pm
Mark Hughes writes,
Coach Stetson was an instrumental influence on us as a teacher, coach, and dear friend of the family. His enthusiastic and fun takes on history and baseball are etched fondly in my mind. But it was his thoughtful instruction on life, and how to be a good sport and a good person that I have returned to so many times over the years. George was the epitome of everything I loved about school, learning, sports, and work. He was a hero of mine and the father of one of the greatest families I'll ever know. So grateful for him and his life so well lived.
02/15/2023 11:07 pm
John L Williams lit a candle and writes,
At 11 years of age I was in George Stetson's "stock market" octave. We tracked stocks in the newspaper with a pretend portfolio. It was quite the lesson because during that time was October 19, 1987, better known as Black Monday. My portfolio consisted of one stock that was trading at 1/2 (not in decimals back then, sometimes those penny stocks at less than a dollar were referred to as "drill bit" stocks). Come Tuesday, the company was no longer listed in the newspaper. That was a lesson about investing in quality stocks with a diversified portfolio rather than casino capitalism. George Stetson was invested in young people. He was like a rock, no matter the situation. Also in that stock market class was 7th grader Harvey Spiller who died in a family plane crash later that same year. I recall George Stetson being very supportive of the student body during that difficult time. In addition to being a history student of his, I also had Mr. Stetson as a middle school football and baseball coach. To us he was like Babe Ruth. He had an old glove and wooden bat that could hit a baseball a country mile. In football, he ran practice like a drill sergeant, determined to make sure our jumping jacks were exactly in time or face another lap around the field. He really boosted my self esteem by calling me a horse. I had hands of rock but could push a dummy sled, so I played line. He valued every student regardless of ability and turned them into competent athletes. His Battle of the Brandywine march really brought history to life. I was part of a British regiment and painted a Union Jack flag for our brigade. He had no shortage of tricks on ways to remember historical places, I still remember a song he made up, called "There once was a women who had a Crooked Billet." He told inspirational stories about working on fixing up houses in underserved communities. When city kids would come up and ask him for something, he one time asked the kid to spell "glove" for something in return. The kid spelled, "mitt." To George Stetson that was sufficient, if not creative, and the kid was rewarded. Having known George Stetson (although it has been about 34 years since I had him as a student) I too have been rewarded.
02/19/2023 03:32 pm
Ellis Wasson writes,
It was a privilege to work alongside George Stetson for over two decades. He was an extraordinary person of great humanity and commitment to living an ethical life. His hands-on expeditions with students were legendary. I trekked through the Brandywine battlefield and over hill and dale in Washington under his command. These amazing trips were planned with great care and memories of them live with the participants forever. I was also lucky to visit George in Blue Rocks and see him in another element where he was equally adept and passionate about the people and surroundings. I will greatly miss George's enthusiasm for teaching and for life. His intellectual curiosity was voracious. His friendship was deeply appreciated.
02/23/2023 08:27 am
Tommy Hughes writes,
I have similar memories of George with his field trips to Washington DC and the Battle of the Brandywine. My wife Cindy and I were also able to visit him in Blue Rocks , Nova Scotia where he really was in his element. I also remember despite his heart issues how you could almost always see him walking down Rt. 52 near Centerville, Delaware. He was a legend and was a mentor to many a young whipper snapper teacher like myself.
03/16/2023 08:47 pm
Bob Watson writes,
I have great respect and fond memories of "Iron George". He was a task master for sure but always thoughtful, inquisitive, curious. I remember the Brandywine trips and his history class. He was always great to me even though I didn't play hockey! In recent years I saw him frequently at the Starbucks in Newark. He would go there to get coffee when he was getting his Subaru serviced and I would swing in for coffee. On more than one occasion, I got parking ticket as I would sit and enjoy talking to him. I think he enjoyed catching up and knowing what my peers and fam were up to. I think he also liked my kids were Hillers too. RIP Mr. Stetson, you made your mark on so many in such a positive way. All the best to all the Stetson family.
03/17/2023 10:24 am
Trisha Blasi writes,
Dear Rich , Matt and Coo, I just heard of George’s passing I’m so sorry for your loss. I liked working with George he was so fun and so interesting . Our time together was short but he’ll forever be in my memory he was a nice man . Trisha Blasi
03/21/2023 12:41 pm