Edward C. Stahl

Edward C. Stahl, resident of Los Gatos, passed away peacefully at his home in Los Gatos on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the age of 93 with his family and wonderful caregiver Manu by his side. Born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Edward C.M. Stahl and Edith C. Clendenin on October 6, 1931, Edward lived a life full of travel and adventure and had a strong devotion to his family, Church, friends, colleagues and employees.

He was a wonderful husband to his wife Betty, who encouraged his love of travel and was beside him, working together at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos for nearly forty years until her death in 1999.

He was a cherished father to Eric Jochim (Marla), Brad Stahl (Cathy) and Susan Oneal (Jim), grandfather to Keyandra and Aumi Jochim, Dustin (Martina) Timm, Alex (Berto) Rocha, Connor (Alli), Lauren and Emily Oneal. He was also loved dearly by his nephews and nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Betty, his brother Greeley, his sister Barbara and his brother-in-law David Edwards.

Edward graduated from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY, and went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. Edward proudly served six years in the United States Army Engineering Corps and was stationed in southern Germany, tasked with building bridges over the Rhine and Danube Rivers. Discharged, he pointed his car west, arriving in San Francisco with $14 in his pocket. Ed went to work for Shell Oil Company and in 1957 was given the San Jose District, responsible for building 30 gas stations between San Jose and Pismo Beach while also serving time in the Army Reserve at Camp Roberts. Ed found the beautiful town of Los Gatos while working with Bill Cilker, building the Shell gas station at the corner of Los Gatos Blvd and Blossom Hill Rd. Also during this time, he fell in love with Betty at a ski club outing and they were married February 6, 1960, and moved to San Jose. Shell Oil Company wanted to promote Edward and move him back to the head office in New York City. He declined the offer since his wife Betty said, "you can go if you want to," and instead bought Travel Advisors of Los Gatos with Betty and his friends Brad and June Honholt. Travel has always been in Edward's blood as his parents encouraged this love by traveling as a family in the summers. One summer at age 16, he drove with his mom and sister from NY across the country down through Mexico and back.

He also never missed going with his buddy Warren Rairden to the Indianapolis 500 car race for 50 years in a row. He was also one of the first travel agents to fly on the Concorde and went on many maiden voyages on the sea and in the air, including the maiden flight on the Pan Am 747 from NY to London and also organizing and leading large groups to the winter and summer Olympics. He was also an avid 49er and Giants fan.

Ed traveled the world, visiting just about every corner of the globe. One of his favorite places was Antarctica, which he visited four times. His biggest travel accomplishment occurred late in his life. After going on a trip through the Northwest Passage, he got an itch to venture even farther, to the North Pole. He told his son Brad of his intention to go to visit the magnetic North Pole. Brad got the idea to look up who was the oldest person to ever visit there. Turns out that if Ed completed the journey, he would become the oldest person to ever go there. So in August 2021, he did just that. Edward is now listed in the official Guinness Book of World Records, a definite highlight in his life.

Even though he traveled extensively, he was a family man. He loved being with his family and visiting relatives in the US and abroad every chance he got. He was also a man of many talents. He would help with and had a tool for every project. He helped build his home in Los Gatos from Betty's vision. His beloved pet project was Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, which he helped design and build the trestle system that is still there today. He took his son Eric every weekend to hike through the redwoods, planning the train track path, teaching him surveying and trying to avoid the poison oak.

Ed belonged to many organizations and was not just a member but an active one. His most treasured organization was the Rotary Club of Los Gatos, where he was a member for 63 years and took a turn as President. He was also in the Saratoga Men's Club, the Sainte Claire Club, Skal International and several other travel organizations. In addition, Edward was an active member of his community by being involved in the parking commission, the Veterans Memorial and helping preserve the carousel at Oak Meadow Park all the while sponsoring many other community projects. Edward was a role model, mentor and friend to many and is already greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11am at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 15040 Union Ave., San Jose, CA 95124.

Published in Los Gatan · July 14, 2025