Stuart F. Kirkpatrick Dies February 21

Stuart F. Kirkpatrick died on February 21, 2020. He was 69.

Mr. Kirkpatrick grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, the youngest of four brothers. He attended Princeton Country Day and developed a passion for nature, sports and adventure at an early age. He graduated from the Millbrook School in 1969, where he helped care for animals at the school zoo and was a distinguished athlete as starting quarterback of the varsity football team and a varsity hockey and baseball player. He was a loyal alumnus to Millbrook and was elected a Millbrook trustee in 1993, serving on the board until 2000. During that time, he was chair of the development committee and was instrumental in helping the school raise the funds to build the Mills Athletic Center.

After attending New York University, Mr. Kirkpatrick spent the majority of his career working in football, first in media relations for the New York Giants and later in the league office at the National Football League. During his 10 years at the NFL, he reported to the head of officials and became an authority on rules and regulations. He spent his weekends traveling to NFL games to represent the league and made lasting friends with players, officials and others at the league office.

Upon leaving the NFL, Mr. Kirkpatrick started a new career in financial printing as sales vice president at Pandick Inc.

In 1986, he married Meg Newhouse of New York City. The couple operated Meg’s family art gallery, Newhouse Galleries, and lived in Manhattan, before moving to Long Island and spending time in Spring Island, South Carolina. They spent summers at the family home in Southampton, and enjoyed traveling together as a family to destinations off the beaten path.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was an avid SCUBA diver while abroad and a birder and gardener while at home.

Survivors said his matchless wit and warm demeanor endeared him to people of all stages and stations in life, and that he will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, and his frequent lighthearted practical jokes.

He is survived by his wife, Meg; two children, Molly of New York and Roger of San Francisco; two brothers, Peter of Oregon and Alexander “Sandy” of Florida. He also leaves behind his beloved dachshund, Russell.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lake Agawam Conservancy, PO Box 5019, Southampton, NY 11969.