Worcester - Sonny Stultz passed away Jan 13, 2015 at his home on Indian Lake.
He was the son of the late Ronald & Dorothea (Phillips) Stultz. He leaves his wife of 56 years Charlene D. (Bonnette) Stultz. His daughter Deirdre (wife of William Tully) their children Andrew and Jordan. He also leaves his beloved son Ronald Norman (named after a deceased friend) his children Jeremy, Marissa, Justin and Nicole: her children Jovani & Jaslyn. He leaves his sister Nancy A. Young of Sturbridge and her daughter Deb A. Young who works at the family business and Nancy's sons Scott and Kevin Young who passed in 1996.
Sonny is predeceased by his sister Dorothea A. Shugrue who died three years prior on Jan 13th. He leaves his niece Andrea and nephew William and his wife Colleen Shugrue.
In addition Sonny is predeceased by his cousin William Nowick. He also leaves his dog Nikki and amazon Clyde.
Born and raised on Loring Street in Worcester, nothing fancy. Some of Sonny's fondest memories are of his childhood pals with names like Stinky, Puddy, Poogie, Doodles, Red and Butch.
The young Stultz nicknamed by his friends "Porky" was raised with a strong work ethic. He was taught that hard work was a way of life, and something he became very good at.
While attending West Boylston Street School one of the highlights of his childhood was winning the City of
Worcester Grammar School Baseball Championship, defeating Canterbury St. 17-9.
It almost didn't happen because Sonny had 3 paper routes. He did the majority of West Boylston St. neighborhood with 100-150 tenement homes. That day his papers were late, so the whole team helped get it done and that was something Sonny never forgot. Then on non-sporting event days Sonny employed his sister Nancy and her friend Barbara Gilmore & other friends paying them with soda & donuts.
This was the beginning of Sonny's business career.
After Commerce High School he began his employment at a local factory. After completing only one week, it was at that time he knew he could not work under anyone's supervision. Shortly after, Sonny and his father ventured into the auto body business. In 1959, Ronnie's Auto Body Inc. was formed and soon evolved into a three shift operation. Fifteen years later an opportunity of a lifetime and his childhood dream came true. Sonny along with a partner purchased a defunct auto salvage business on Granite Street. He would eventually buy out his partner and hire many employees from the industry leader next door. Many of these same workers and the general manger are still employed today. Their loyalty was then and continues to be a tribute to Sonny, and they all plan to carry the same spirit forward into the future.
Sonny's name is synonymous with Worcester's semi-professional and youth athletics for years. Fifty years ago Sonny's athletic sponsorship history began with the Maranville Little League and Babe Ruth teams. In addition, he then sponsored, along with Joe Maple the Lincoln Square Boys Club Junior Basketball League. He continued his sponsorships with the nationally famous Ronnie's softball teams Youth and Pop Warner Football teams. Sonny, Ted Butcher and his close friend Vincent " Jake" Powers, formed the Worcester Parks Touch Football League which eventually grew into the top football program in all of New England. One of the league teams was represented in The National Touch Football Championships, which were played in The Meadow Lands. The team finished second overall in the Country.
He also sponsored many amateur and semi-professional basketball teams. These teams competed and often won tournaments throughout New England. Additionally, his Parks League Basketball teams also won many summer and winter championships. Ronnie's Rec's, semi-professional baseball team, was supported through his generosity for over thirty years. Sonny was also an avid auto racing enthusiast, he not only attended races he also sponsored many local drivers who were often victorious. The baseball field at Greenhill Park, the home of The Worcester Technical High School Eagles, is named in honor of Sonny Stultz.
Above all Sonny will always be known and remembered for his generosity and concern for those who are less fortunate. He was an integral part for over twenty years of The Nick Manzello Galaxy of Stars, Christmas and youth Friendly House fundraising programs. His support of the Friendly House annual Golf Tournament provided assistance for many of Worcester's needy families. After serving many years on Friendly House board of directors he was appointed as a lifelong honorary board member. He was a proud sponsor of Give Kids a Fighting Chance program as well as many activities of the Worcester Boys and Girls club, the Vernon Hill Post and Shriners.
There will be no services per Sonny's wishes. Sonny was an organ donor. He was cremated on Thursday January 15th. 2015.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald "Sonny" Stultz to Friendly House, 36 Wall Street, Worcester, Ma 01604, Spay Worcester, 11 Circuit Ave East Worcester, Ma 01603, Sweetpea Friends of Rutland Animal Shelter, 1090 Pleasant Street, Paxton, Ma 01612 or a charity of your choice.
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