My father had an inimitable style for describing a person's character. By far, his loftiest judgment was, "He's the kind of guy you would want in a foxhole with you." And my father had some experience with foxholes. No more accurate assessment could have been made of Robert (Bob) Stilo, and I'm sure this could have been attested to by some of Bob's fellow foxhole occupants. The rest of us, who had the privilege to know him in less stringent circumstances, and the eminent honor to have him as friend, would agree.
Bob was born on July 5, 1934, in South Plainfield, N.J., to Julia DeFillipo and Dominic Stilo, to become a member of what has been dubbed "the greatest generation." Like so many of his time, honesty, integrity, determination, courage, and honor were not just words to espouse, but a way of life.
After graduating from St. Peter's High School in New Brunswick, N.J., Bob served in the U.S. Army, where he saw combat in the Korean War.
Upon returning home from his duty, he began working for his father in his family's paving business, and took the reins upon his father's retirement in 1964, expanding the business' success.
In 1977, Bob took his first ski vacation to Sun Valley, and like so many others fell in love with Idaho. When he was finally able to retire in 1997, he brought his other love, Marie, to live permanently in the Wood River Valley. As an accomplished horseman, one of his favorite pastimes was to help out some of the local ranchers on cattle drives. Bob also liked to hunt, and, of course, ski.
On June 13, 2008, surrounded with the love of his wife, children and friends, Bob Stilo faced death the same way he faced life.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Marie, his son Robert Jr. (Patricia) Stilo, and his daughters Deborah (James) Linkin, Laurie (Angelo) Porchetta, and Melissa (James) Santora, as well as 10 grandchildren and brothers Leonard and Donald, sister Theresa and nieces.
Funeral service will be held at McCriskin's Funeral Home in South Plainfield, N.J. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Stilo ranch on Gannett Road in Bellevue on June 29 at 2 p.m.
The family asks that any donations be made to Hospice of the Wood River Valley, P.O. Box 4320, Ketchum, ID, 83340.
We will all miss you deeply, Bob.
Local arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel (www.woodriverchapel.com).
