Stanley Vanagunas' Obituary
Stanley Vanagunas, age 82, passed away peacefully on the evening of June 25, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona.
He was born April 29, 1938 in Marijampole, Lithuania. Stanley, along with his parents and two brothers, emigrated to America in 1949 and settled in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1956 and then served in the First Tank Battalion of the US Marine Corps.
He went on to graduate with a Bachelor and Master of Economics from University of Illinois (1963); Master of History from University of Wisconsin (1968); and a Ph.D. in Social Science from Michigan State University (1975).
Stanley was an academic for twenty-five years, retiring in 2001 as a Professor of Public Administration from Arkansas State University. He also taught at Marquette University, University of Arizona and at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. Stanley was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 1989 and again in 1994 to lecture on public administration and economics at Vilnius University in Lithuania.
Stanley was an avid fly fisherman and world traveler. He was a member of fly-fishing organizations around the world. Most recently he served as a board member of Old Pueblo Trout Unlimited in Tucson.
Stanley is survived by the catch of his life, his wife Armida Bedoya Vanagunas; daughter Severina Vanagunas (Steve), son Arunas Vanagunas (Kimberly), daughter Stephanie Glidewell (James); granddaughter Emilija Vanagunas, grandson Gerard Glidewell; his brothers Ramunas (Danguole) Vanagunas and Dr. Arvydas (Audrone) Vanagunas; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Stanley’s family took comfort in knowing he was in the care of Traditions Health – Hospice Services. They are eternally thankful to the hospice staff for the amount of help, care, and compassion provided to Stanley at the end of his life’s journey.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the church in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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