David John Stanley

David John "Stan" Stanley passed away quietly on January 12, 2017. Dave started his life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the first child of John and Freda Stanley on July 19, 1955. Growing up he lived in Pennsylvania, Germany, New York and Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his parents took up roots. He loved science, math, reading, old movies and music, becoming quite accomplished on the trombone and baritone. Dave attended Old Dominion University on a music scholarship before joining the Navy where he served on several ships. He earned his Honorable Discharge February 4, 1981 as a Fire Control Technician, Missiles, Second Class.
After his military service, Dave moved to California where he married Anita Vandenbergh. He started his new career as a self-taught electrical engineer and over the next 25 years worked with several different companies in many locations, focusing on advancing technology and high voltage systems. He was always thinking through how technology could solve a problem. One of his programs is now used in Vegas to audit slot machine odds. Anita and Dave had three children, Erin, Kate and Claire.
Dave was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, rarely going anywhere without his beloved ball cap. He gave any pinball machine he came across a whirl. He could play pool either left or right handed and enjoyed a good or bad game with anyone willing to play. He had mastered chess at an early age and was always looking for a formidable opponent, even programing his computer to play against him. He drank his coffee strong, black and early while solving the morning puzzles in the local paper. He enjoyed a good debate, taking on either side with a smile.
Dave's final home was Burns Flat, Oklahoma. He is survived by his children, Erin, Kate and Claire, one granddaughter Kylee, one brother, William and wife Laurey, and three sisters, Kath and husband Tom, Lois and husband Mark and Ellen, nine nieces and three nephews.
Memorial Service