Anton "Stan" Stankowski

Anton James “Stan” Stankowski, Jr. died October 29 at his home in Tampa at the age of 92. The Tampa Bay sports teams—the Lightning, Rays, and Buccaneers—may never have had a greater fan. Stan had rooted for all three since their inception and held season tickets, even long after he was no longer able to attend games himself, preferring to give the tickets away so others could enjoy them.

Before retiring in Tampa, Stan enjoyed a 28-year career in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Born in Columbia, Missouri, on October 20, 1934, Stan was the son of Anton and Gladys (Anderson) Stankowski. His love of sports began with the Missouri Tigers, where his father had played as a Hall of Fame quarterback before becoming a coach and administrator in the university's athletics department. His mother also worked at the University of Missouri as a physical education instructor and administrator.

Stan and his younger sister, Carol, grew up in Columbia attending Mizzou athletic events, meeting coaches and their families, and visiting the Missouri campus. Stan worked alongside his father at Memorial Stadium, where A.J. Sr. announced the football games and A.J. Jr. gathered scores from the wires. Stan attended Hickman High School in Columbia, where he participated in sports, student government, and theater. He also worked at a local radio station.

A good student, Stan went on to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He majored in speech and communications and developed a strong interest in radio and television. While at Northwestern, he joined the Air Force ROTC program.

Stan began his Air Force career as a young lieutenant at an Air Force installation in northern Washington state. His aptitude for radio and electronics made him an excellent candidate for radar and communications assignments. During the height of the Cold War, he received training in enemy aircraft detection, tactical weaponry, and air squadron control.

Stan's calm demeanor and attention to detail quickly led to positions of increasing responsibility. His assignments took him to several of the Cold War's potential flashpoints, including Berlin, South Korea, and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.

Stan was stationed at Tempelhof Air Base in Berlin in 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. Amid the confusion and rumors of possible Russian involvement, Stan calmly guided the squadrons flying across East Germany back to Tempelhof before informing them of the president's death. On another occasion, Russian aircraft approached Berlin in what appeared to be a possible surprise attack, but Stan considered it could be a Russian military exercise. Drawing on his position and authority, Stan quickly alerted American contacts, who worked through their Russian counterparts to defuse the situation.

In December 1967, Stan was assigned to the remote and highly classified Mangil-san radar site in South Korea, from which the United States monitored activity in China and North Korea. Just a month later, North Korean forces attacked the South Korean Presidential Blue House and seized the USS Pueblo, an American intelligence ship. During what became known as the Pueblo Incident, tensions threatened to escalate into a broader conflict. Stan and his team at Mangil-san monitored both enemy and American air traffic, helping ensure that the situation did not escalate further.

Stan's Air Force career took him to many other locations, including Spokane, Washington; northern Canada; Phoenix; MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa (1969–1975); and SHAPE in Belgium (1976–1982). His final assignment was at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, from 1982 to 1984, where he completed his career and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his time at MacDill, Stan had developed a fondness for Tampa and ultimately chose to make it his retirement home, where he renewed his enthusiasm for the city's sports teams.

His nieces and nephews fondly remember “Uncle Jim” for the gifts he brought home from faraway places and his visits to Tampa, which often included trips to Busch Gardens and spring training games. As they grew older, they continued to visit Uncle Jim, sometimes bringing their own children along to enjoy a baseball or football game. He also took on the role of “Santa” for the neighborhood children.

Stan's other great interest was theater. He purchased season tickets to the Broadway Series and, true to his generous nature, frequently shared those tickets with others.

Stan was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Carol (Stankowski) Mollenkamp. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Mike Mollenkamp, Dave Mollenkamp, Jean Kjellstrand, Steve Mollenkamp, Amy Comito, and Chris Mollenkamp.

He will be greatly missed by his many friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, doctors and caregivers, and his loyal cocker spaniel, Lady. The family would like to thank all those who touched Stan's life and made his years in Tampa special. We especially appreciate Chystalle, Ana, Darius, Kyle, and Aliya who helped him in his later years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stan's memory may be made to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, the Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue (https://www.floridacocker.org/), or the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Foundation (https://tbpaa.org/)

A military service honoring Stan will be held at Bushnell National Cemetery in the spring.