sorry to hear about Stanley's passing. I knew Stanley from the colonial realty days, and he and his wife when I worked at suburban pharmacy. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
As a youth, Stanley was very athletic and enjoyed summers at Camp Moween in CT. The camaraderie and character-building of those years so impressed these young boys, they continue to this day to have reunions at the Penn Club in NYC. The New York Times once made note of it. At age fourteen, Stanley was the youngest official scorekeeper for the Hartford Twilight League. Along with the late John Abrahms, he won table tennis tournaments. Stanley was always warm and friendly and service-oriented, and in 1939, he helped form the USY (United Synagogue Youth) with the late Rabbi Morris Silverman.
During WWII, Stanley served 45 months in the 8th & 12th U.S. Air Force and was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant, having served in England, Africa, Italy and Sicily, Trinidad and Puerto Rico.
In 1947, Stanley wooed and wed Lorraine Kaplan, daughter of Sayde L. and Harry H. Kaplan, and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Together, they acted as advisors to the clubs at the Lawrence Street Settlement House.
At that time, Stanley worked in his father’s sporting goods store. Later, he changed careers to the State Class Co. and after its demise, he used the training earned there to open his own glass company, Stanley Wiesen, Inc., in 1961. It was so named at the urging of his friends to take advantage of the good will he had already achieved in the community. Customers, suppliers and employees were won over by his ready smile, joke-of-the-day and his concern for all of them. He never met a person that he did not try to help in some way. From then on he made a friend whom he never forgot – his memory was legendary and often serves as a source of information for others.
He supplied building products to homes and apartments, and was a member of the CT Glass Dealers Association. He received the Glass Dealer of the Year award in 1970, the prestigious Joseph Arbini Award for contributions to the glass industry and various other honors for contributions to the Glass Show.
As a founding member of Beth El Temple, he was actively involved in its Men’s Club and its many programs. In 2000, he received the Distinguished Service Award. He was also recognized for his 22-year commitment to the Minyans. Stanley’s commitment to organizations and causes that he espoused was so long-term that he earned recognition by them and a lasting connection with their other supporters.
As a member of the Jewish Community, Stanley was a Founding Member of the Mayor George Athanson’s All American Council. At its peak, it celebrated the ethnicity of 62 groups and offered programs in in the native language of each to service their needs and their safety.
Jonathan’s Dream was started as a playground where handicapped children were able to join the play and eventually expanded into Boundless Playgrounds, establishing playgrounds nationally and abroad. In recognition of Stanley’s involvement and commitment to help make Jonathan’s Dream come true, he received the Groundbreaker’s Award in 2007, a certificate of appreciation of service as a long-term trustee of the Board of Directors.
Stanley was a Founding Member of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford and was an Honorary Director after many years of service and support. In 2002, he was elected to the Jewish Athletes Hall of Fame.
Stanley became a member of the Jewish Community Center in 1949. With his strong athletic background, he was made chairman of the Athletics Committee and the Center’s Youth Program took off. He served in this capacity for 22 years. He also served on the House Committee and the Purim Festival. He was a member for over 50 years and a Board Member for over 40 years. He was a strong voice for common sense, compassion and clear thinking, plain-spoken wisdom at all Board meetings. He was made an Honorary Life Officer. He was especially proud of receiving the Gerald M. Steinberg Outstanding Leadership Award in 2011.
Recent health issues brought Stanley to Hebrew Health Care in West Hartford, where he received exemplary care from 4 South staff.
In addition to his wife, Lorraine (Kaplan) Wiesen, Stanley is survived by his two precious daughters, Andrea Rundgren of San Francisco, CA, and Debby Wiesen Kelly with her husband David of Arlington, MA, and two sisters, Phyllis Hoffman of Palm Beach, FL and West Hartford, and Jane Abrams of Laguna Hills, CA and Peterborough, NH. Stanley also leaves several cherished nephews, nieces and delightful grand-nephews and grand-nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 23, 2013 in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery, Jackson St. Extension, Avon. Following the interment the family will receive relatives and friends at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beth El Temple, The Jewish Community Center, Hebrew Home and Hospital, or the charity of the donor’s choice. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Stanley, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.
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From middletown, ct
Posted On: October 18, 2013
sorry to hear about Stanley's passing. I knew Stanley from the colonial realty days, and he and his wife when I worked at suburban pharmacy. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
From West Palm Beach, FL
Posted On: October 10, 2013
This obit does capture Stan--he was always the nicest, pleasantest guy; more than willing to help in any way he could.
He reaped what he sowed in the love he got from family and friends and the respect of his community.
Emerson (and I) say he lived an extremely successful life.
May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Anita
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: September 25, 2013
All the years I have been a member of Beth El, Stanley was a valued part of the fabric of the synagogue. He was always smiling and kind. May his memory be for a blessing.
From Hartford, Connecticut
Posted On: September 25, 2013
Stanley Wiesen was a young man in the glass business when I was a young man building a house with a lot of glass, in New Hartford. He was unfailingly patient and helpful with advice. I was a minor but regular customer through the years, and chatted from time to time. I join his family in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating and remembering a very full life.
From old saybrook, CT
Posted On: September 24, 2013
Dear lorraine and family,
Matthew and I are so sorry to hear about Stanley's passing. We will always remember him as a funny , sweet and clever man. If You knew Stanley you were lucky. We will all miss him.
Fondly,
Matthew and Hadass Rubin
From South Orange, Nj
Posted On: September 21, 2013
Cindy and I send heartfelt condolences. I loved working at the JCC with Stanley. Whether it was the board of directors or the house committee, Stan was always helpful and full of humor. He loved the JCC and we loved him.
From Plainville, CT
Posted On: September 23, 2013
The glass industry has lost a beloved member. We will miss Stanley and his amazing memory, stories, and jokes greatly...Our sincere condolences to the Wiesen family.
From MACHIASPORT, ME
Posted On: October 4, 2013
I HAVE TOLD MY WIFE OF MY MANY MEMORIES OF STANLEY AND THE WORK I DID ALL OVER THE NORTH EAST. WE HAD ALOT OF FUN AND I WAS ALWAYS TREATED WELL. HE WAS ALWAYS A GOOD GUY.
From New London, CT
Posted On: September 23, 2013
I am the last generation and owner of Ruby Glass Co in New London. I actually first met Stanley when he worked at the State Glass Co in Hartford, many years ago. I used to pick up glass at the warehouse that my father, Nathan Rubin, would purchase. Even at that time I knew him as a very likeable, friendly, personable person. Although I haven't seen him for many years, he was someone who will always stay in my memory as a "really nice guy".
My condolences to his entire family.
Murry Rubin
From Sandy Hook, ct
Posted On: September 23, 2013
Stanley was always an inspiration to me, his smile and affection for everyone was legendary. I will miss him greatly.
Frank
From east hartford, ct
Posted On: September 23, 2013
In loving memory of Stanley M. Wiesen. It is so sad to see you go, we will miss you. Chase Glass Company.
From Vernon, CT
Posted On: September 23, 2013
So Sorry to hear of Stans' passing. I have had the privilege of knowing Stan for many years in the glazing industry. I never walked away without a laugh and a smile and Stans joke of the day.
He was a great man, and will be missed.
Dave Flynn
From Berlin, CT
Posted On: September 23, 2013
So sorry to hear of Stanley passing. He was and will continue to be a wonderful, thoughtful, and funny soul. We will miss him. Frank Carfora, Mary Sue Hermann, and Jennifer Reyes - Kensington Glass
From Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Posted On: September 22, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to Stanley's family. Truly a wonderful person and good friend. We will miss his thoughtfulness and humor.
From Windsor Locks, CT
Posted On: September 22, 2013
Dear Lorraine, Andrea & Debbie: So very sorry to hear of Stanley's death. He was a kind and thoughtful man. I enjoyed working with him and watching how much he cared for people and how he wanted to please all customers no matter how small or large the sale was. I appreciated all the phone calls Stan made to me while Roy was ill and his continued calls after Roy's passing. It really helped me heal knowing I had friends like Stanley. He will be missed by everyone. My sincerest sympathy. Shirley Henderson
From Bloomfield, Ct,
Posted On: September 21, 2013
Stanley was a wonderful person. He was kind & friendly, always ready with a new joke (and sometimes an old one). I will miss his smile and his warm greetings whenever we met. May his memory be for blessing. My condolences to Lorraine, Phyllis and all the family.
From boynton beach, fl
Posted On: September 21, 2013
i am so saddened to hear this news about stanley wiesen he was a mentor as well as a good friend. he will be missed. he always had a good word about everone. his wit and jokes were the best,
he was truly a friend to all sometimes too leinent in business. he taught me so much about business that my own bosses wouldn't do. rest in peace my good friend you certaily will be missed.