Stowell Skip W. Upham

Upham, Stowell Williamson (Skip) 82, went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2023 after a 20 year diagnosis of Frontotemporal Degeneration and Alzheimer’s. He was admitted to the Baldomoro Lopez Veterans Nursing Home in March 2015 where he resided until his death.

After graduating from Canton High School in 1959 Skip entered the Military and served in the Marines from 1960 – 1961. After his Honorable discharge he moved to Tampa Florida and attend University of Tampa. He left school and returned to MA for the next ten years where he worked selling Volkswagen’s and also was General Manager of men’s clothing at Jordan Marsh Department store. In 1971 he returned to Tampa and re-enrolled at the University of Tampa and completed his Bachelor of Science, graduating in 1973. This was one of his greatest accomplishments. It was shortly after graduating that he met the love of his life, Mary Anne at a dance, and they loved dancing ever after. They married on July 19, 1974, when Skip instantly became a father to his three step children Fred (10) Laura (9) and John (8).

With a new family Skip tried many different jobs until he finally opened his own home improvement company, Upham and Associates Enterprises in 1979. He continued his very successful business until his retirement in 1999.

From the time Skip and his twin sister Noel were 6 months old, they spent every summer on Martha’s Vineyard, where their family and many relatives owned summer homes. This was some of the happiest times and memories for him. Skip would continue spending a week or more on the Island every summer, until it was no longer possible to make that trip.

One of Skip’s favorite pastimes was shooting pool and he was very good, even had several of his own pool cues. Traveling, cruising and the beach were where he was most happy and where we spent many hours together.

Skip’s family came from a long line of Methodist Ministers, and he had a very strong faith. For the past 35 plus yeas he has been a member of the Unity Church, most recently Unity North Tampa in Lutz. Skip was always active in the church as an usher and assistant to the minister.

Skip was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Louise Upham, his twin sister Noel Donohoe, his step-daughter Laura Kalt and his step-son John Kalt. He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years Mary Anne, his step-son Fred Kalt (Barbara), his grandchildren Jessica Kalt and Kelly Kalt and his great-grandchildren Madison Kalt, Elias Torres and Paisley Schremp, his brother Philip Upham (Sondra), Nephews Nowell Upham (Evelyn), Britton Upham (Alex), Tory Upham (Connie).

A very special thank you to all the administrative staff, nurses, CNA’s, housekeeping, maintenance and kitchen staff who provided the best care over the past 8 years at the Baldomoro Nursing home. It is only because of their genuine love and care that he lived such a long and happy life there.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to AFTD, Alzheimer’s Association or Operation Patriots.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity North Tampa, 19520 Holly Lane, Lutz 33558 on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10:00am and a light lunch will follow. The family will hold a private internment at Bay Pines National Cemetery following the service.