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Bernard J. "Bernie" Stortecky - Class of 1951

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 29/Jun/2026
38.40.68.185

    Bernard (Bernie) J. Stortecky, 92, husband of Ellen Joan Stortecky and resident of Wilton, CT, passed away on Thursday, June 25,2026. He was born on September 29, 1933 in Cornwall, New York to Mark and Bernice Stortecky.

Bernie attended high school at Newburgh Free Academy where he was very active with the student council and national honor society, earned varsity letters for both track and volleyball, and was awarded for his exceptional skills with math. In 1951, he attended Holy Cross University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in physics.

On September 5, 1954, Bernie and Ellen Joan Taylor were married before he began his naval service. The two were best friends and devoted to each other for over 69 years. From 1955 to 1958, he proudly served as an officer in the United States Navy aboard the USS William R. Rush and as a midshipman on the USS Missouri.

Beginning at a young age, Bernie worked in many professions, from picking berries as a child during the war to landscaping, construction, plumbing and operating heavy equipment as he grew older. Following his Naval service, he worked for United Technologies, Norden Division, for 35 years as an electrical engineer. He played an integral role in developing aircraft radar and weapons guidance systems for projects like submarines and the Space Shuttle.

Alongside his passion for electronics was his love for animals and photography. He was very involved with his local community, volunteering with handicapped children, the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Boy Scouts of America, and at St. Theresa’s church in Trumbull.

Bernie was a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend to so many. Always ready with a Navy story, a toolkit, or a camera, his generosity, love, and kindness impacted the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his son Mark Stortecky (June) of California, daughter Susan Tavella (James) of Norwalk, daughter Megan Ramous (John) of Nevada, sister Joan D’Addio of Virginia, and by four grandchildren and several nephews. In addition to his late wife Joan, he was predeceased by his father Mark Stortecky, mother Bernice Stortecky, stepmother Helen Stortecky, and sister Elaine Stortecky.

A celebration of life is planned for September 2026. Details on the date and location will be provided at a later date for all who would like to attend. Donations in his memory may be made to: Pegasus Therapeutic Riding at pegasustr.org or to Edmundite Missions at www.edmunditemissions.org