Joseph Edward Stonis

Joseph Edward Stonis, 101, of Cape Coral, died Monday, June 29, 2009, under the loving care of Hope Hospice. He was born March 27, 1908, in Newark, N.J., to Matis and Ana Stonis.

He moved to Cape Coral 28 years ago from Memphis, Tenn., after retiring from C.P. Hall of Chicago. He embraced the city of Cape Coral with all his heart and energy of a man half his age, as many who knew and worked with him would attest.

Retirement was not for him. He soon found this young city could use his help in many ways. He learned as much as he could about the native trees, grasses, flowers and wildlife and began a dedication to making Cape Coral “green,” thus earning the city the title “Tree City USA.”

He was awarded for his work with the Lawrence Enersen Award, given to him by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in May 1999.

He felt his other love, the parks, determined the culture and character of a city. He was so proud and honored when a park was named for him in December 2007.

In 2006, at the age of 98, he published a book, “Slices of American Pie.” It was one of his greatest achievements.

He leaves behind his wife, Doris Butts Stonis, a blind date that turned into 36 years of friendship and love. They were married May 7, 1981. He never used “step” in speaking of Doris’ adult children, Barbara (John) Hill of Fort Myers Beach and Roger (Pam) Butts. He was much loved as a grandfather to Stephanie and Courtney, daughters of Roger and Pam, all of Cape Coral.

He also leaves his only daughter, Patricia Beck; her children, Kathy Hayes and Henry Beckwith II; and great-grandchildren, Brian Beckwith and Katy and Stephanie Hayes, all of Jacksonville.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Genevieve Reardon; son, Joseph Jr.; parents, Matis and Ana; sisters, Mary and Anne; and brother, John.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. July 18 at Joe Stonis Park on Ceitus Parkway.

The family requests that memorials be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908, or to the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 No. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.