Stanley Katz

Stanley Katz, 81, of Bluffton, South Carolina, formerly of Kendall Park, NJ, died peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2023. Stanley is survived by his children David Katz (Kathryn), Randi Minerva (Dean), and his four grandchildren Drew, Ethan, Connor, and Ava. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, father Sam, and mother Rose.

Born in Bronx, NY, on June 21, 1941, Stanley was a natural athlete, playing baseball on the Bronx sandlots and eventually playing minor league baseball in the Milwaukee Braves organization before an injury ended his baseball dreams.

Stanley proudly served his country domestically and abroad, as a Specialist in the US Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1965.

Following his military service, Stanley continued in the family tradition of bagel bakers, learning the lost art of handmade bagel baking and working in the industry until his retirement in 2006. While raising his family in NJ, Stanley spent his spare time in competitive bowling and softball leagues, playing well into his 50s always against much younger competition.

After retirement, Stanley and Eleanor relocated to Sun City where he was an avid golfer, billiards, and bocce player. Just before “retiring” from golf in 2022, Stanley achieved his proudest moment on the golf course with a hole-in-one on the 8th hole of Argent Lakes.

Known affectionately to his grandkids as “GPS” or Grandpa Stanley, he was always excited for his nightly phone calls and opportunities to play golf with them, drive his golf cart, or share his passion for classic Western tv shows and movies. No visit with GPS was ever complete without a trip to the local Daily Queen or other way to satisfy his well-known sweet tooth.

The funeral service will take place at 10:00 am, Thursday February 23, 2023 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. Burial will follow the service at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC.