Gilbert L. Stadler, Jr. was born at Akron City Hospital, 50+ years ago...like so many of us.

Raised in Akron, he moved to Wadsworth in late 1974.

He furthered his education by attending the University of Akron, graduating with a B.S. in Biology.

On June 12, 1980, Gil joined the U.S. Army - Army Reserves - Military Police, part of the military build-up under President Reagan. He was stationed at various military bases. And, because of being stationed at these bases, he saw many parts of the world. At the end of his military service, he came home to Akron.

While still in the Reserves, Gil married Cheryl Kowalski, of Alden New York, on November 2, 1984. (Alden, NY is very near...get this....Akron, NY)

They have three children, of whom they are SO proud.

The eldest of Gil's kids is Joyce Lyn.

Joyce, 24, went to East High School. She graduated college with an Associates degree in Film Production and a BS in Film. She now does freelance media work. She has also been involved in two stage productions at Weathervane Theatre as Sound Designer for Enchanted April, and for The Rainmaker.

Then, there came Gilbert III, 22. He is a sophomore at the University of Akron studying English with aspirations toward writing professionally as a novelist and short story writer. He currently has a manuscript in the review process with a publisher. Gil III plays guitar on the side with increasing interest in Spanish guitar. He worked as a Automotive Technician at Mike Pruitt Honda, following his graduation from East High School in 2004.

Finally, there comes Elijah David, 13, who is in 8th grade at Hyre Middle School. He is an active teen, who is involved in Boy Scouts, guitar lessons, paint-balling, and, of course, skateboarding.

Gil has worked "...for the City of Akron, in Water Pollution Control as a Laboratory Analyst III (reviewing and reporting on TONS of paperwork of the WWTP processes, for operating purposes, NDPES (EPA) reporting & billing for the suburbs)." He has been with the City for almost twenty years.

He has a recreational interest in coins, stamps, old publications, and books. He says, though, that between maintenance on a rental unit and being taxi service for various functions, he seems to have little free time.
When asked if he had anything else that people might be interested in, he said, "Not really. However, I DID camp for a week below the Devil's Tower, in Wyoming. That is the rock formation made famous in the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' While there, we were adopted as Honorary Members of the Wyoming Biker's Association, (MC), Gillette Chapter."
"There is no landing area behind the Tower for UFOs...we looked. Also, in the area, across the desolate border of Montana, we found one of the last bivouac areas of General George Custer, before he fell into the pages of History. He was certainly reckless, putting himself, and his troops, in a defensive position inside a bowl. BRILLIANT!"

Gil is also part of the Ellet Class of 1974 Reunion Committee. Want to know what's happening with our reunion plans? See Gil!