Stanley L. Gardfrey Jr.
Mr. Stanley L. Gardfrey Jr. (Tippy)
October 15, 1962 – July 25, 2024
Proceeded in death by his:
Executive Producers
Bernice Scott (Willard Odell ) Walker
Stanley L. Gardfey Sr.
Associate Producers
Beloved Grandparents
Frank & Lessie Tidwell Scott
Music Director
Loving Uncle
Mr. Augustus Scott
ACT I – It Begins
On October 15, 1962 in Gary, Indiana Stanley L. Gardfrey Jr.(Tippy) entered this world … and it was on. As a young child he was never still, always moving, doing, just being Stanley. The meaning of his name was actually a perfect choice. Stanley means “a stony meadow”. He had to be hard, like a stone in order to survive everything life threw at him. But the beautiful meadow with its wildflowers and tall grass blowing covered the hard stones, so you only saw the beauty that was Stanley.
ACT II – I Fly
Stanley was a product of the Gary Community School Corporation. He attended Banneker Elementary School, Tolleston Junior High School and he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School, a forever Panther. Stanley loved school he was always the “starter” of something. He developed a love for music at an early age. He loved all kinds of music. But Broadway musicals and show tunes were his niche! His first music teacher Mrs. Ray Scott recognized his talent at an early age and carefully guided and nurtured it. One of the roles she cast him in was Professor Harold Hill from The Music Man. His performance in this role far outdistanced his age. It became apparent that he was a triple threat, an actor, singer and a dynamic dancer. In later years he auditioned for and made it, into the Gifted & Talented Programs, which was designed for students whose talent excelled beyond the regular classroom setting. One character he played was Gitlow from the musical “Purlie” his major solo was a song entitled, “There’s More Than One Way of Skinnin a Cat”! He Killed!!!
ACT III – Freedom is on the Horizon
Stanley loved being involved. He was the nexus of most events. Whether it was leading the booster club at a pep rally before the big game he was in there, cheering the loudest. Singing in talent shows, going downstate to Indy for vocal competitions, planning sock hops & school dances, he was there to lead the charge. He gave 120% to whatever the endeavor was. You knew that if Stanley was involved it was going to be successful and great fun.
Upon graduating from high school Stanley began to look for new worlds to conquer. He had dreams. He had places he wanted to see. People he wanted to meet. So many things that he just wanted to experience firsthand. After a few false starts he made a decision. He decided to leave his family, his home and all his friends, it was time.
Arizona watch out he’s coming!
ACT IV– I’m Here!
Once in Phoenix, AZ, it took him a few years to find his footing, but he managed to carve out a space for himself within the community. “Stan”, as he was known by his many friends in Phoenix, carried those big dreams with him from Gary, IN. Stan had a magnetic personality that drew you to him. He loved to sing at various karaoke nights, and always brought the house down. Two of his go to songs to sing were “My Girl” and “Karma Chameleon”.
Stan worked mostly in the Hospitality and Travel Industry. Other than working reception at some of Phoenix’s best resorts, he was also a travel agent for AAA Arizona and Amex Corporate Travel. He really loved working for International Cruise and Excursions. He even got to fulfil one of his dreams and was able to go on a 7-day cruise.
Stan spent most of his free time socializing, which was how he met the majority of his dearest friends. He was proud to be a regular at “Roscoe’s”. It was always a good time if Stan was there, he’d make sure of it.
Stan was a fierce and loyal friend. Always thinking of others. Always putting the needs of those he loved before his own. Always facing adversity with strength and bravery. He remained always hopeful and optimistic about the future. He was truly one of the most resilient and strongest individuals you could ever meet.
Epilogue:
I’ve run my race. I’ve finished my course.
Stan made many friends over the years. With some of his closest friendships going back 55 years in both Phoenix and Gary.
No matter what name you knew him by, Stanley, Tippy, or Stan you knew about his personal mantra/quote, “Slow your roll. Pump your brakes. Think before you speak, and don’t get it twisted. Because the way you say it, is the way you convey it.”
INDIANA CAST
Debra ScottFamily
Alex CalhounFriend
Marlon B. ColquitFriend
Glynnis DearFriend
Melvalett EdwardsFriend
Cliff GoberFriend
Sharyce HutchFriend
Jacqueline Lee – ColbertFriend
Bernice Gray – PhillipsFriend
Sherri Payne – JohnsonFriend
Raynard RobinsonFriend
ARIZONA CAST
Rick MichitschFriend
Scott Akins & FamilyFriend
Frank RochaFriend
Bobby ScimecaFriend
Tim GuancialeFriend
Brian GoodwinFriend
Nance LaSlavicFriend
Auggie LazonoFriend
“Goodnight, my someone, goodnight my love. Sleep tight, my someone, sleep tight my love. Our star is shinning it’s brightest light, now goodnight my someone goodnight.
From Meridith Wilson’s The Music Man
It was his wishes to be cremated. There will be no services at this time.
