Stuart N. Mapes, Jr., 89, of Satellite Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Stuart will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet wit, and steadfast loyalty. Born on June 17, 1936, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of a generation inspired by curiosity and service.

Stuart earned his Bachelor of Science from MIT in 1958, later completing both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Working and studying with the original seven Mercury Astronauts, his doctoral dissertation focusing on the effects of weightless flight contributed to the success of the first U.S. human spaceflight – Mercury Redstone 3: Freedom 7. 

A proud Air Force veteran of 11 years, Stuart went on to work as an electrical engineer for RCA, GE, and Northrop Grumman. Additionally, he shared his knowledge and passion for learning with students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Webster and Berry Universities as an adjunct professor.

In 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara Mirick. Together, they raised three children, instilling in them his love of learning and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sister, Joan Pryor; his children, Amy Traver, Mary Sanders, and Stuart Mapes; and his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Active in his community, Stuart was a Master Mason for 59 years and served on the board at Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind for 20 years, where he generated audio reference material for the Library of Congress. Music and service were his lifelong passions — he sang tenor in MIT’s first a cappella group the Logarhythms, and studied piano and pipe organ under renowned organist Graham Steed. Over the years he continued to show his patriotism each summer by proudly participating in Satellite Beach’s 21-Day Flag Salute.  

A memorial service will be held in his honor at Beach Funeral Home East, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, on Wednesday, December 3, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.  The family requests donations to the Arthritis Foundation in lieu of flowers.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —A. A. Milne.