In Memory of . . . Stanley Aronson (1933-2015)

The Rev. Stanley Aronson died on January 12, 2015, at the age of 81.

Stanley was born on June 5, 1933 to Abraham and Tillie Aronson. He attended Temple University, and graduated with a Doctor of Podiatry in 1958. He served in the United States Army Medical Service Corps from 1959 to 1962; then worked as a podiatrist and a disc jockey before entering seminary. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1982.

Rev. Aronson was ordained to the ministry in 1982 by the First Unitarian Church of Berkeley, CA (now the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley in Kensington, CA). He was first called to serve as Interim Minister to the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, and he served there for one year. From 1982 to 1985, he served as extension minister to the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, TX, the Bay Area Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, TX, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Galveston County, TX. He then served as Urban Extension Minister to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit, MI from 1985 to 1988; Interim Minister to the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, NY from 1988 to 1989; Interim Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County of State College, PA, from 1989 to 1990; and Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Stamford, CT from 1990 to 1999. He was elected Minister Emeritus to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Stamford, CT in 1999.

Rev. Aronson served in various denominational and community organizations. His involvement included, but was not limited to, serving as Co-Chair of the Urban Church Coalition of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA); Co-Chair of the Unitarian Universalist District of Michigan (UUDOM) Extension Committee; and Good Offices Person and Chapter President of the UUDOM-Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. He also served as Board Member of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights; Member of the Interfaith Conference on Liberal Religion; Board Member of the Pacific House Shelter for the Homeless; Vice President of the Council on Churches/Synagogues; Committee Member of the Interfaith AIDS Advisory Committee; and Founding Member of the Interfaith Dialogue Task Force

Stanley had a wide range of interests, including writing, music, exercising, and film. A Harley Davidson enthusiast, he rode his Harley coast to coast, from Berkeley, California to Toronto, Canada during the late 1970’s, a journey that took almost a month to complete. He loved the New York Times crossword puzzles and would often be able to complete the Sunday editions. Stanley was very social, and according to his son, Brad, “died having had more friends than most could only dream of having.”

Stanley’s son, Brad, remembers his father as an “empathetic person” with a “great sense of humor.” Brad is proud of his father’s counseling skills, and his ability to listen and guide without passing judgment. “He was a very giving and generous father,” said Brad, “and he was always there for us.”

He is survived by his sons, Greg (Aileen); Kevin (Christina); and Brad (Joey); grandchildren, Sean and Ryan; and great grandchildren, Christian, Alexis, Gracie, and Preston.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Brad Aronson, 1262 Truchard Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *