Stanley “Stan” Pastor

Stanley “Stan” Pastor
August 21, 1931- March 9, 2024

The Life and Times of Dr. Stanley Pastor

Dr. Stan Pastor, a resident of Sarasota, Florida and formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, left his life in his words, “generally well-lived and with few regrets.” He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 21st, 1931 to the late Leon and Esther Pastor.  Everyone who was fortunate enough to know him will remember him differently: a brilliant orthodontist, a talented photographer thanks to his mentor Mr. Billy Elkins, a loving husband to The Blonde, a wonderful father who loved his kids(“children” was too formal a term), unequivocally, an intrepid traveler, a collector of antique cars, admirer of a good joke and the necessity of laughter, an example of the benefit of kindness, and above all, a believer in the importance of love.

He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Jan, his dear sister Anita and her husband Dr. Murry Schonfeld, his eldest son, Dr. Scott Pastor, and an infant brother, Aaron. He is survived by his loving wife Stephanie(Shaw Pastor), or as he lovingly referred to her as The Blonde, his daughter Robin, aka, D.D.(darling daughter), her loving husband Steve, his son Andy and his wonderful wife La, and his daughter-in law Molly Pastor. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Max, Eli, Hale, Lily, Andrew, Madelyn, Sam and Tommy.

Stan was predestined to become an orthodontist as he had two uncles that were dentists and a family friend, an orthodontist who allowed him to work in his laboratory at a very young age.  He completed his entire training at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He attained his BS, DDS and MSD degrees, then taught at the Dental School for a year before he was drafted into the Army Dental Corps.  It was during this time Stan married Jan and the marriage resulted in his three wonderful children, Scott, Andy and Robin.  After serving two years in the Dental Corps, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he practiced his specialty of Orthodontics for 40 years with Dr. Pat Shannon as his partner for most of that period.  He loved his patients and their parents and kept up with their activities after his retirement.  Even though he maintained an extremely busy practice, he managed to become President of the Tulsa County Orthodontic Society, Oklahoma Orthodontic Society, and the Southwest Orthodontic Society.

He never lost touch with his roots and he was genuinely unpretentious and forever had an inquiring mind. 

He never lost touch with his roots and he was genuinely unpretentious and forever had an inquiring mind.  His adventurous spirit took him to Israel the day after his retirement from his practice. He participated in both land and underwater archeologic excavation for the following five summers searching for King Herod’s Palace, which his team located and documented this important site.  Due to his love of travel and adventure, one of his close friends referred to him as the reincarnation of Indiana Jones.  His many trips to Africa with his wife Stephanie was a source of constant happiness and vivid memories.

Stan’s interpretation of death begins at birth, but he was always aware that he was most fortunate to have been allowed to lead a long and productive life.  His overwhelming desire was to not become “the old man in a rocking chair who requires constant care and attention.”  He never wanted to go gently into the night. His license plate personified his philosophy, “4 EVR 50” and he tried to live that life to the fullest.  His parting words were “if you want something that mellows with age, drink wine.”

Stephanie has shared the following charitable organizations:

Sarasota Memorial Foundation: Designate Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute: https://smhf.org/donate/
Asolo Repertory Theatre: https://tickets.asolorep.org/donate/q/65thanniversary                Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_d2607b67-e8ec-11ed-9e40-02ec082f7523&WidgetId=129895425