Eight Bells: Reid Stava

Reid Stava

Reid James Stava crossed the finish line at the age of 75 on Saturday, March 25 at a cancer center in Rochester, New York.

A native of Cleveland, OH, Reid spent his formative years racing Lightning’s on Lake Erie with his father, Robert, who was also commodore of Mentor Yacht Club. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Math/Physics from the University of Rochester, working as an engineer at Graflex, Singer and later Xerox from where he retired in 2006.

An avid sailboat racer and Principal Club Race Officer of the Rochester Yacht Club, Reid loved J/24s and was a well-known supporter of the Class with his willingness to assist in providing technical information, including measuring and serving as a race officer at many New York area regattas. He most recently served as the US J/24 Class Technical Chair.

A man of varied interests, Reid was an expert ship model builder, enjoyed building trainsets, photography, travel, woodworking and of course his custom Harley Davidson.

Reid is survived by his wife, Jane Stava; daughter, Susan Stava; son, Robert (Tomiko) Stava; granddaughters, Johanna & Sophie Block; brother, Elliott (Sue) Stava; his mother-in-law, Irene Spooner; brother-in-law, Daniel (Priscilla) Ashley; and sister-in-law, Susan (Garvis) Bogosian.

His family will receive friends Saturday April 8th 10am-11am at the funeral home (570 Kings Hwy S.) where his celebration of life service will follow at 11am. Interment Private.

Memorials may be directed to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, Lifetime Care Hospice, 3111 Winton Road S., Rochester, NY 14623 or National Parkinson Foundation Greater Rochester, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Ste. 1600, Rochester, NY 14620.