Floyd R Stuart
October 9, 1933 - January 9, 2023
Floyd R. Stuart (Stu, Ronnie, John, Dad, Poppa, G-Poppa), Colonel USAF (Ret.), died peacefully on January 9, 2023, surrounded by love. A native San Franciscan, Floyd graduated from Saint Ignatius HS in 1951, attended City College, and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1957. He married the love of his life, Shirley (McVeigh) on June 29, 1957.
Commissioned in the USAF, Floyd proudly served for more than 28 years. Floyd’s military career was distinguished and decorated; he was a C130 aircraft commander with more than 4500 flying hours. He completed a Masters degree from CalTech in 1962 and the degree of Aeronautical Engineer in 1963. Floyd subsequently taught mathematics and aeronautical engineering at the USAF Academy from 1963-67. Floyd did two tours of duty in Vietnam (67-68); the remaining years of his career were predominantly in Space and Missile Systems. Culminating in what he described as the best job ever, Floyd assumed command of the USAF Satellite Control Facility in March 1982 and served through his retirement in May 1985.
Entering civilian life, Floyd joined Hughes Communications Inc. (HCI) with responsibility for Launch Vehicle Acquisition and Support Services. Floyd and Shirley spent 3 wonderful years in Tokyo, Japan, while Floyd was Senior Managing Director and COO of Japan Communications Satellite Co., Japan’s first commercial satellite communications company and a joint venture with HCI. Upon returning to CA, Floyd was Vice President of Operations with HCI until his retirement.
Floyd was predeceased by Shirley in 2019, but she remained central to his life as he always wore their wedding bands around his neck. Floyd is survived by his children Theresa (Jim), Nancy (Tiela), John (Meluz), and Jim (Maya), his beloved grandchildren Julie (Matt), Lauren (Rob), Joanne (Jeff), Seamus, Matt, Emma, Bridget and step grandchildren Sebastian and Shannon, and his delightful great-grandchildren Jackson, Owen, Greta, and Millie.
A Celebration of Life is planned for April 22, 2023.