CHICOPEE – Jonathan Russell Stahl, aged 51, (1971 – 2022) passed away peacefully on September 7, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center, following a long 
illness and hospitalization. Jon was born in Detroit, Michigan where he was adopted as an infant into the Stahl family.
Jon attended primary schools in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School in 1989 and from Westfield State College in 1997. He was an educator, most recently employed by Springdale Education Center in Holyoke, Massachusetts, a school specializing in students with behavioral problems. He previously worked at Job Corps in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and in several Springfield public and alternative schools. In the classroom he was beloved by his students and the inspiration and role model for many boys and girls.
Jon served on active duty in the Army between 1989 and 1992. He saw combat duty in Saudi Arabia during the first gulf war, Desert Storm. He loved action, including kayaking, mountain-biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, lacrosse, soccer and paintball. He will be remembered for his big heart, his humor, his thoughtful soul, and his love of children. He will be sorely missed by his friends, his extended family, his students, and his co-workers.
Jon had a knack for making and keeping friends and we are grateful for the help and support they offered him over the years as he struggled with the alcoholism that led to his death.
Jon is survived by his mother, Dr. Catherine Lilly of Westfield, Massachusetts, by his father, Dr. Stan Stahl of Los Angeles, California, by his first mother, Cynthia Rodgers, of Detroit, Michigan, by his stepfather, William Whitehill of Westfield, Massachusetts, and by his stepmother, Rita Carton of Los Angeles, California. His fiancée, Uwet Boston of Georgetown, Guyana, was determined to help Jon get well by healthy food, exercise, and prayer. We wish she had come into his life sooner. His surviving sisters are Star Smith and Sarita Rodgers, of Detroit, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Tiffany Jones Rodgers; and he was pre-deceased by his brother, Chico Taurice Rodgers.
The staff at Baystate Medical Center earned the family’s gratitude for the tender, competent and professional care they gave to Jon during his two extensive hospitalizations this year and for their many kind words and gestures towards us.
The family will receive friends from 1:00PM-3:00PM, with a 3:00PM Memorial Service on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick. Military honors will follow in the funeral home at 4:00PM. Family services will take place in Michigan and California at a future date. Every day he loved going to school and helping the children at the Springdale Education Center. Donations may be made in his name to the good work of that school via Project 13, 1913 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040. www.forastierefuneralhome.com
