Robert Elliot Stish's Obituary
Robert Elliot Stish, 43, of Tucson, AZ passed away on March 21, 2023 at Tucson Medical Center after a brief illness. He was the son of Margaret Stish of East Stroudsburg, PA and the late Eugene Stish. Robert is survived by his former wife, Shannon (Highland) Stish and son, David. He is also survived by three sisters and one brother: Bethanne Stish (Andy) of Takoma Park, MD, Andrea Sartorius (Paul) of Haymarket, VA, Nancy Fleming of Custer, SD, and Henry Stish (Gena) of The Villages, FL. Robert was predeceased by two brothers: David and Peter. He was also predeceased by his aunt Linda Manuel Laubner.
Robert was a student in the East Stroudsburg Schools, graduated from Fork Union Military Academy and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Since childhood Robert had an interest in aviation and spent his early years taking private pilot instruction in both sailplanes and single engine aircraft. He was an avid outdoorsman and a talented musician.
A painter by trade, Robert was also a founding member of the Native American Advancement Foundation (NAAF). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NAAF provides programs in critical areas such as education, health and wellness, housing, food sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Robert served as Executive Director, a member of the Board of Directors, and a volunteer to improve the lives of children and families on the Tohono O'odham Reservation.
Services were held at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, AZ with Rev. William Laubner, III officiating. Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to NAAF at www.naafnow.org or PO Box 64877, Tucson, AZ, 85728.
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