Lasting Memories
William James Stover
July 1, 1943-June 11, 2020
Los Altos, California
Dr. William James Stover passed away on June 11, 2020 at El Camino hospital after a long illness.
He was born on July 1, 1943 in Scranton Pennsylvania, the only child of Russel J. Stover and Gwendolyn Williams.
He is survived by his wife Dr. Mali Mann, his children, Dr. Andrea Parisa Mann, Ellen Vennola-Coloccia, Jussie Vennola-Stover and his grandchildren Mateus Bitdinger, Sorays Ava Bitdinger, Anna Coloccia and Rachel Coloccia.
Dr. Stover had a brilliant and diverse career. After completing his master’s degree in International Relations and a Ph.D. in Political Science, he became a diplomat in the Foreign Service during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he decided the best way to positively impact future generations was through teaching. He joined the faculty at Santa Clara University in 1975. In his academic work, he focused on international conflict resolution, the role of the military in politics, and the role of technology in international relations. Dr. Stover wrote widely in his area of expertise and served as an editor of a number of journals including the International Journal of World Peace. He held appointments as a Senior Fulbright Fellow in Conflict Resolution and Information Technology and as a member of the United States Army Strategic Outreach Program.
Dr. Stover was honored by the American Political Science Association as an “extraordinary educator” in 2008 and by the Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association with its “Excellence in Teaching Award” in 2009. He was widely loved and respected by his colleagues and students.
He also was a highly skilled pilot and well sought out flight instructor. He volunteered numerous times on medical missions with the Flying Doctors (Los Médicos Voladores) with his wife and daughter to the Southern border of California, Mexico and Indian reservations. In addition to Spanish, he also spoke Welsh, Swedish and French fluently.
Dec. 10, 2020
I was saddened to learn of Bill’s death just last month. I was a classmate of Bill at Blakey High School from 1957-1961. We were good friends in a class of 60 students and the small towns of Blakely and Peckville, Penna. We were in the high school band. Bill played the trumpet and I believe came in second in the statewide competition. He was an excellent student and was heavily involved in Youth for Christ. So it is no surprise to learn of his peace making interests in his great career. We saw each other at our 50th high school reunion. Bill made a difference in the world. I know he rests now with his Lord and Savior. My early life was blessed and challenged by Bill. Grace and peace to his family. Rev. Joe condro