Roll Call Tribute

Robert Harry Stiteler, Jr. 

August 23, 1936 - June 18, 2023 

We are sad to announce the passing of Robert Harry Stiteler, Jr. of Bryan, Texas. Harry, age 86, died peacefully with his wife and children at his side on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife Emily. They had just recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his daughter Susan O’Neill, son-in-law Kevin O’Neill, Jr. and their children Kristin and Austin; son Robert Stiteler, III, daughter-in-law Jenifer Stiteler and their children Ava and Liam. He is also survived by his sister Reta Ann Kaspar and her husband Ronald Kaspar.

Harry was born on August 23, 1936, in Smithville, Texas, to Robert Harry Stiteler, Sr. and Retalee Elliott Stiteler. The family eventually settled in Bryan when his father became head football coach at Texas A&M (1948-1950). Harry graduated from Texas A&M University in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon graduation, Harry was stationed at Moody Air Force Base near Valdosta, Georgia, where he met Emily on a blind date. They married in 1963 and were soon stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, where Captain Stiteler was an instructor pilot.

After leaving the Air Force in 1965, the family moved to Bryan and Harry worked at his father’s dairy in Steep Hollow. In 1975 he began his long career at Texas A&M University working in the Safety and Health Department. At the time of his retirement in 2003, Harry was the Texas A&M Environmental Safety Manager.

Dandy, as he was called by his grandchildren, put family above all else. His kind, gentle nature endeared him to all who met him. He was called an “animal whisperer” by his children and grandchildren because If Dandy was sitting in a chair, a cat or dog was sure to be found nestled in his lap.

In his later years, Harry was passionate about his hobby of crafting Morgan silver dollars and other coins into rings. He loved selling his jewelry at antique shows. Even when he was no longer able to participate in shows due to health issues, Harry would proudly show off his rings to his caregivers and explain how he made them.

Harry will be buried in Valdosta, Georgia, after a private ceremony with close family members. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Legacy Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Bryan and nurses and hospital staff at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan for their help. He was surrounded by healthcare heroes who did their best to make him feel loved and comfortable.