Stanley Owen Sterling

Sterling, Stanley Owen, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, passed away December 13, 2021 at age 87. Stan, born June 29, 1934 to Bernard and Libby Sterling in Miami, FL, the oldest of three children. After attending Miami Senior High then University of Florida and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1955 with degrees in Accounting and Economics, he married Suzanne Sobel. He moved to Plantation in 1961.

He was a charter member of The Boys Club of Miami, Tau Epsilon Phi, Beta Alpha Psi, a Free Mason, President of Plantation Police Athletic League, an active member of the Ft. Lauderdale Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the 17th Street Bridge Design Committee. Stan joined his father in retail clothing (Sterling’s Department Store) and grew the business opening two other specialty stores (Hip Pocket and Lemon Tree) throughout South Florida. He is preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Robert, brother-in- law Roy Weissel, step daughter Susan Winter, and his second wife, Sara Lee. He is survived by his sister Judy Weissel, sister-in-law Nancy Sterling, three children, Jeffrey (Ann Marie) Sterling, Kerry (Jorge) Alers, and Dr. Richard (Ann) Sterling, step daughter Ann (Jeff) Vandermeer, 11 grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his loving companion friend, Tamara Axelman.

While living in Plantation, Stan was active in youth sports coaching and watching his children play. He was a member of Ft. Lauderdale Country Club, an avid boatman, advanced scuba diver, world traveler, aquarium enthusiast and enjoyed hours of fishing with his family. He loved playing golf, tennis, collecting art, walking, photography and was an avid reader. After retirement, he continued in real estate, was a marriage officiant, Vice President of the Harbor Inlet homeowner’s association, and remained very active in his communities mentoring, volunteering including as a Sheriff, as a Notary, and was an arts benefactor. His passions were playing golf, pickle ball, fishing, writing poetry, and making mobiles for his home and his friends. He especially enjoyed caring for his dogs, Choo Choo, Levi and then Shayna. He was an honorable man, loving brother, husband, and father. He was very proud of his children’s accomplishments in business (Jeffrey), sports (Kerry), and medicine (Richard) and will be truly missed. Stan will be laid to rest at Mount Nebo in Miami. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice.