Obituary of Joe Stillwell

OBITUARY:    Francis Joseph Stillwell, 12/11/33-10/10/21

Stillwell, Francis Joseph (Joe) 87, of Rockville Centre, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Oct. 10. 

Joe is survived by his sweetheart and loving wife Elaine (nee Edden-O’Connor) of 37 years, cherished sons Kevin and Joseph, and grandchildren Jennifer, Joseph and Daniel Stillwell. Also survived by the daughter he never had, loving stepdaughter Annie Albanese; and the joy of his senior years, grandson Christopher Albanese, Notre Dame, Class of 2020; also survived by his sister Mary Colleen Moore and family, nephews Raymond (Barbara) and Andrew (Tiffany) Stillwell, and his loveable Beagle companion Lily. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Francis Stillwell, brother John, and step-children Peggy and Denis O’Connor, and black Labs, Mickey, Max and Buddy.

Joe was very proud of his 28 years of service in the Navy and enjoyed his 35 year career with American Airlines Freight Dept. at JFK and LaGuardia. Every Sunday for over 20 years he helped at the 9 o’clock Mass at Mercy Hospital Chapel. As a friend of Bill Wilson, he reached out to help many others, especially those who needed a friend, sponsor, or some strong advice.

But hundreds of moms and dads know Joe best as Founder and Chapter Leader of TCF of RVC, along with Elaine, for over 30 years, giving support, education and hope to families who lost a child of any age or any cause of death, while welcoming 45-55 bereaved parents at their monthly meetings.

He loved drum corps competitions, parades, horse racing, the Mets, Broadway shows, the oldies music, Notre Dame, and his Rockville Centre home and neighbors.  

Visitation Wed., Oct. 13, from 1-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Thomas A. Glynn Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Ave., Rockville Centre.  Funeral Mass Thursday, Oct.14, 9:45 am at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, with Burial following at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale (Section 009, KK #57/59).

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Joe’s name to “Last Hope,” a beautifully run, local dog and cat rescue organization where we rescued our little Lily who brought Joe such joy and companionship, located at 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, just past Wantagh High School. Check https://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/ or call  (631) 425-1884.

Also, our Navy veteran Joe, was very moved by the work of the local Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, a cause dear to his heart. Check https://t2t.org/ or call (718) 987-1931.

We will remember Joe who lived the words of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  That was my Joe.

Condolences may be sent to Elaine at their home: 60 Atkinson Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.  estillwell@optonline.net,