Obituary of Stanley Louis Contois

Stanley Louis Contois March 21, 1934 - June 11, 2020 Stanley Louis Contois, born March 21, 1934 in Burlington, VT, died peacefully at his home in Essex Junction, June 11, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Stan was the third child of Stanislaus and Irene (Gervais) Contois of Essex. Stan’s first love was his family. Stan is survived by the love of his life, Judy Contois, his wife of 61 years of Essex Junction, his three children, David Contois of Essex Junction, Daniel (Stacy) Contois of Williston, and Diane (Stefan) Strackbein of Essex. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kaylee, Reid, Elise, Tanner, Eve, and Trevor Contois, five step-grandchildren, Nastassia, Matthias, and Vanessa Strackbein, Shayne and Taylor St. Cyr, and one step great granddaughter Erika Bessette. Stan will be dearly missed by the Walter families of Maryland and Florida, the Contois families of Kentucky, Washington and Massachusetts, and the innumerable friends he made during his lifetime. Stan was predeceased by his brother Paul Contois and wife Beverly, sister Irene (Contois) Walter and husband Charles. Stan grew up in Essex Junction, VT and attended Essex High School, graduating in1953. While serving in the Army 1956-1958 at Fort Riley Kansas, Stan fell in love with Judy White, daughter of Harold and Evelyn White of Chapman, Kansas. They married and returned home to Vermont to start a family. Stan’s work ethic was legendary. He pumped gas at Robinson’s at Five Corners, and began his tenure at IBM in 1959, working in the Mask house, until he retired after 28 years, in 1987. Stan and Judy shared their passion and love for music by opening a family business, Contois Piano and Organ in 1971. Stan and his family attended many fairs, home shows and events, sharing his love of music with the community. Stan was proud to see Contois Music, a fixture of the Essex Junction community inherited by the next generations, but he never strayed far. He would stop by daily to “check on things” and would happily share stories with customers or serenade parents while their kids were taking lessons, until his health would not allow. He rarely missed a family event or performance and was always the first one on the dance floor, showing off his signature “wiggle” or to remind the band to “turn it down!” Cars! Stan loved shopping for, working on, admiring, washing, waxing, tinkering, talking about and driving his cars. His life was measured by the type of car he owned at any given time. His expertise, perfectionism and wry humor will be missed at the many car shows he frequented, sharing his love of cars and the endless stories about his 1955 Sunliner and 1965 Falcon. Although, “If it looks like rain, those cars are not leaving my garage!” Always a gadget guy, Stan was constantly exploring the “next best thing”. From his early years experimenting with audio recording and working on player pianos to becoming a Ham Radio operator and having the latest video recording products to document the significant amount of time he spent with his family and grandkids. Stan and Judy treasured the many friends they made in the music industry over the years, creating memories while traveling together to cities and countries all over the world. Stan’s smiling face and twinkling eyes could be found most any day, whether it was enjoying a meal or a creemee at a local restaurant with his grandkids or cruising around town on his scooter! Stan lived what he believed. His Catholic faith provided a solid foundation for his life where he loved unconditionally, cared selflessly for others, and gave generously. He gave of his time and talents with joy in his heart, attending daily Mass at St. Lawrence and Holy Family Parish, consistently there to serve. Thanks for the memories, Grandpa! You taught us well. ”We’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places.” We are deeply grateful to our Mom for her loving commitment to keeping Dad at home, close to his family and selflessly caring for him during his lengthy illness. You continue to be an amazing model of strength, love and courage for our family. Our family expresses endless gratitude and love to Diane Contois Strackbein and her husband Stefan for the countless hours and invaluable support they graciously bestowed on Mom and Dad. In future, as social distancing allows, we will announce plans for a church service and a celebration of Stan’s life!