Colonel Stanley Joseph Lobodinski

Colonel Stanley J. Lobodinski, US Army Retired passed away Oct 17, 2017 at age 94. He is survived by Nanette Lobodinski, his wife of 66 years, daughters Denise Lobodinski, Janet Scobie and Jeanine Flint, sons-in-law Gary Scobie and George Flint and grandchildren Allison (Captain US Army Reserve), Meghan and Brian Scobie, Alex and Anne Specht and Marsh and Duncan Flint. Neighbor Jeannie Spencer holds an esteemed position in the hearts of the family. Stan was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in- law, Renee and Randy Specht. Stan began his Army career as a radio operator in WWII. He graduated from San Jose State in Police Sciences and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and outstanding ROTC cadet upon graduation. Stan earned his Master’s Degree from Illinois Institute of Technology and received numerous medals and decorations for his service. While in the Military Police, Airborne held a special place in his heart. He was paratrooper qualified in 1956 with the 82nd and served with the 101st “Screaming Eagles” in Vietnam. Stan served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam and was Provost Marshall of Fort Knox, Fort Sill, Fort Benning and Southcom, Panama Canal Zone. Prior to his retirement and move to Tampa Bay in 1980, he had obtained the rank of Colonel. Nanette moved the family 18 times during Stan’s service including Alaska, Paris, two postings in Germany, the Panama Canal Zone and stateside postings. Stan loved the Tampa Bay area, playing tennis with Bayport Tennis Club and riding his bike into his nineties. He and Nan attended Tampa Bay Downs weekly, enjoying horse racing and the friendships formed there. Stan was a devout Catholic, attending Incarnation Catholic Church. He was also a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football. Stan had a gift for humor and language, never letting facts constrain his shaping of a good story and never settling for adequate when he could make something “Outstanding!” or “Number 1!”. His aphorisms and mottos will live on. Why just say you are hungry when you can be a “Starvin’ Marvin” and why just control your spending when you are young when you can develop the mantra “If you can’t eat it, you don’t need it”’. Stan showed gratitude for all of life’s blessings and wanted to particularly thank the staff at St. Joe’s Hospital. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in lieu of a local service. In lieu of flowers, consider a veteran’s or Catholic charity or say an extra “thank you” to those you come across in life.