David Milton Stires' Obituary
David Milton Stires passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, four children, and his favorite cat.
Born in Somerville, New Jersey, to Joseph Stanley and Elenore Davis Stires, Dave spent most of his life in New York before retiring to Memphis, Tennessee.
Dave was a brilliant mathematician, a gifted athlete, and talented musician. He was a star basketball player at Somerville High School, in Somerville, N.J., where he was inducted into the Somerville High School Hall of Fame. At Rutgers University, he started on the basketball team all four years, served as the team captain his senior year, and pioneered the hook shot, much to his opponent’s frustration.
During his career, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, designed defense systems, innovated helicopters, gave lectures at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and co-authored two books. But most of his career was spent with International Paper in New York, where he shaped corporate strategy and forged enduring friendships for nearly 40 years. Known at work for his sharp intellect, steadfast integrity, and warm heart, he left a lasting impression on everyone he knew.
Throughout his life, Dave remained a devoted sports fan who never missed a chance to watch a game or place a friendly wager with loved ones. He also had the heart of an artist. Dave could pick up nearly any instrument—harmonica, drums, piano, guitar—and play a tune by ear. His appreciation of music evolved with the times, always incorporating modern artists into his playlists, and staying on top of the latest audio innovations.
Truly one of a kind, Dave was a gentleman from a bygone era. His bold and timeless fashion sense earned him the nickname “The Million-Dollar Man.” He was also affectionately known as Dr. D., Island Boy, an Honorary Highwayman, and DJ Dave. He lived life with flair, passion, and purpose.
He cherished peaceful family vacations on the Jersey Shore or Caribbean Islands, reflecting his warmth and serenity. He had a deep love for animals; they too seemed to sense his gentle spirit. Dave’s humor, originality, and zest for life made him unforgettable, a true original. To know him was to witness a life lived fully, joyfully, and on his own terms.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Alicia, and his four children: Samantha Stires of Boulder, CO; Spencer Stires of Chicago, IL, Lindsey Zimmerman of Denver, CO, and her husband, Cary; and David Stires of Buxton, ME, and his wife, Deirdre. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Loeb of Newtown, PA, and several nieces and nephews who proudly called him “Cool Uncle Dave.” He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leland Stanley Stires.
A private burial and celebration of life will be held in Somerville, NJ, this summer. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.
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