Arthur "Al" L. Stillwell

Al (Arthur L.) Stillwell passed away peacefully Sunday, December 17, 2023, in his home by his wife’s side. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Alwina, his sons Corky and Andy, daughter-in-law Kelly Stillwell, his grandson C.J., his wife Tracy and their 3 sons: Julian, Christopher and Jameson, his brother Warren and sister-in-law Joyce Stillwell, sisters Patty Duden, Kathy Kanta, Judy Judge and brother-in-law Jim Judge, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Al was the 9th child in a family of 14 – 8 boys and 6 girls.

Since six of his brothers were in the military service he thought that was the thing to do, and in 1954 he joined the Marines, went to boot camp in San Diego. He fell in love with California, which was the reason the young family left Denver, CO and moved to Long Beach in 1968.

Al was very outgoing and friendly. He never met a stranger, as the saying goes. Al was a businessman all his life and operated several different businesses: automotive, locksmith, electronics. In 1981 Al suffered a major heart attack that forced him into semi-retirement. He sold the business and retired for a couple of years but became restless. He entered a less “stressful” business, the travel business, and for several years he led pilgrimages to Fatima (5), Lourdes and Medjugorje, as well as gambling trips to Las Vegas, Laughlin and the Indian casinos. Al had a great sense of humor and made the bus trips pass quickly with a lot of fun.

We all remember some of the highlights in our lives. One particular highlight of Al’s and Alwina’s life was the visit of Mother Teresa to the Rosary for Peace on June 16, 1986, at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach. He worked extremely hard to make her visit a reality because there were many obstacles to overcome. One week prior to her visit Mother called and said it was absolutely impossible for her to be here (talk about a stressful situation), but due to Al’s insistence and pleading and many prayers, the event happened as planned and one of the rewards was an invitation from Mother Teresa to come to Rome where she would arrange an audience with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The following year Al arranged the trip to Rome to visit Mother Teresa and an audience with the Holy Father.

In Rome, after a morning of confusion, much stress and even doubt of it actually happening, it all came together and we were in the presence of the Holy Father – Al, Father Joseph Gaffney from St. Cornelius and Alwina – just the 3 of us with now St. John Paul II. Those moments one does not forget. All this occurred on May 25, 1987, planned to the day to give his wife a very special 50th birthday.

In 2018 some neurological illness affected him so severely he became bed bound the rest of his days. He spent the time at home with his loving wife who became his 24/7 caregiver. The first few years were spent in severe pain over his entire body which prevented the physical therapy being effective. Al suffered much during these years but continued to live life to the fullest (very limited in his condition). Through it all he never lost his sense of humor.

A strong belief in God and daily praying of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet made life not only bearable but enjoyable.

Al’s Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11 am at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, 5500 Wardlow Rd., Long Beach.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401 www.luybendilday.com