Stanley Kass, 81, of Amherst, NH died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 13 in Anthem, AZ after a period of declining health. He was born on February 7, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY to Morris and Lillian Kass. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lee Gaskins Kass, his son Daniel Kass of Hingham, MA and daughter Evelyn Kass Williamson of Anthem, Arizona, stepson Stephen Nott, stepdaughters Betsy and Deborah Nott, grandchildren Kelly Kass, Sherriee, Justin, and Kymberlee Williamson, and Daniel and David Nott. Also surviving him is his first wife Joan Kass Gouveia.

Stan’s life can be characterized by intellectual curiosity and love of learning. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute where he majored in electrical engineering. After graduation, he worked for General Electric before serving in the Army for 2 years. He then joined Raytheon Company where he stayed for 35 years. He always loved his work and was amazed that he got paid for working in the scientific field which he loved. In 1962 he teamed with scientists from MIT to bounce a laser off the moon and received its reflection back on the earth. “It was the first time that a light originating on the earth had been thrown on another celestial body.” For many years he designed and developed Air Traffic Control Systems in the United States and around the world. His interest in flying resulted in his receiving a commercial pilot’s license. He particularly loved flying his plane early in the morning. When he retired in 1992 he was International Marketing Director for Air Traffic Control.

After retiring, he studied and received a Masters degree in Computer Science at Rivier College. He and his wife moved for their Milford home in 1994 to Arizona. Stan loved being in the desert climate and said “he thought he’d died and gone to heaven.” He and his wife traveled extensively in their motor home visiting all of the 48 states, awed by the beauty and diversity of our country.

After returning to NH in 1998, he became a member of the Uniting Church of Christ in Amherst and enjoyed presenting programs there on Science and Spirituality. Memorial contributions may be made to the Uniting Church of Christ, PO Box 294, Amherst, NH 03031. A memorial service will be held on November 6 at their home in Amherst.