Obituary of Elliot F. Stiles

Schodack-It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Elliot F. Stiles aka “Elliot from Schodack.” Elliot passed away on February 17, 2023, in his home with his loving family by his side, after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.

Elliot was born on June 27, 1937, to William and Mary (Kimball) Stiles. He graduated from Albany High School in 1957. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Karen Shields Stiles, and they were married June 23, 1962. Elliot and Karen resided in Rensselaer, where they raised two daughters, Lisa and Karen. Later in life they took to country living in Schodack.

Elliot was a true patriot and a big Trump supporter. He joined the Paul Vandenburgh radio show regularly to voice his opinion on all things good and bad. He loved everything American. He was very proud of his ancestry. The Stiles family came to America only a few years after the MayFlower. He had ancestors who fought with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys at the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga. This declared him a Son of Liberty.

Those who truly knew Elliot, knew him by the sound of his trumpet. He was a true trumpeter. Karen would often say “You have never been kissed, until you have been kissed by a trumpet player.” He spent his early years playing in many of the jazz clubs throughout Albany. However, one of his fondest memories was playing for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands when she paid homage to Albany in 1959. Having already graduated from Albany High School and being called back to perform for the queen was such an honor for Elliot.

Elliot was an avid outdoorsman. Having loved the Adirondacks, he introduced his family to camping there. His favorite spots for family camping trips were Paradox Lake and Schroon Lake. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, archery, and golf. Elliot was a master rifleman which gained him the nickname “Hawkeye.” He was awarded many medals for his sharp shooting technique. He loved the sport of rifleman and was a true teacher and mentor to many who also enjoyed the sport. Elliot was a lifelong member of the Castleton Fish and Game Club where he is well known by all the members. In addition, he was also a lifelong member of the NRA and the NYS Rifle and Pistol Association.

Elliot began his career working for the Grand Union and worked his way to managerial position with them. However, his true passion came in the way of printing paper. Elliot began his lifelong career with the Hudson Valley Paper Company and eventually worked his way to the position of Executive Salesman. He was good at his job! Winning Top Salesman for the company many times.

Elliot was a man of faith. He attended mass regularly at Sacred Heart Church in Castleton on Hudson.

Elliot was predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen M. Stiles; his son in-law, Gary Titherington; his sister in-law, Dorothy Shields Pratt; his brother in-law, Thomas Kowalski; his niece Kimberly Kowalski Coonradt; and his closest friends, Anthony Bianchini, Charles Gerogosian, and Douglas Gibson. 

Elliot leaves behind his two daughters, Lisa (Dave) Roy and Karen Titherington; his grandchildren, Gabrielle M. Roy, Brenden E.S. Roy, Gavin S. Titherington, and Gwen Titherington; his brother in-law Bryan (Pat) E. Shields, and his sister-in-law Roslyn Kowalski.  He also leaves behind his companion Barbara Taft, and his loyal friends Tim Cranell, Beth Gerogosian, Joe Westbrook, and Robert Paci.

The family would like to make an honorable mention to the five caregivers who really cared for our dad during his final weeks.

One last sentiment…“Remember this is Elliot from Schodack…Balls!!”

Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 12pm-2pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church, 3 Catholic Way, Castleton on Hudson, NY 12033, followed by the funeral mass at 2pm.  Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush.