Gerald Bernard Stuyvesant

Gerald Stuyvesant, age 82, a resident of Albuquerque since 1975, died Monday, March l, 2021 after a prolonged and courageous battle with Plasma Cell Leukemia. He is survived by his spouse, Kilcha of Albuquerque; children, Joseph Stuyvesant and wife, Angela of Albuquerque; Joshua Stuyvesant and wife Shannon of Albuquerque; Jacob Stuyvesant and girlfriend Nicole of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Ezekial, Teagan, Jocelynn, Jolynn, Kellsie, Jacquelynn and husband Kyle Britton; Great Grandchild Kimberlynn Britton; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Mr. Stuyvesant was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Hattie Stuyvesant and his sister Lola Israel.

Gerald is a United States Air Force Veteran of both the Korean War and Vietnam War, having been deployed multiple times in both theatres.  He served with distinction for 23 years in the United States Air Force and retired at the rank of Major.  Gerald received numerous commendations, medals, and awards including the Meritorious Service Medal as well as the Air Force Commendation Medal, which he was awarded six times.

While serving his country in Korea, it was there he met the love of his life, Kilcha. They were married three years later on October 15, 1958, officiated by the Mayor of Seoul.  They remained in South Korea for a year before moving back to the United States. Gerald and Kilcha remained happy and loyal to each other for the next 63 years.  Together they raised their three sons, Joseph, Joshua, and Jacob, all while having to relocate to several different cities due to Gerald’s military career. One of their greatest accomplishments is that all three sons are college graduates. Gerald and Kilcha instilled the value of education from a very young age and always encouraged life-long learning.

Gerald was only 15 years old when he graduated from high school. Even though he had a very successful Military career, he never lost sight of the value of a higher education and in only two years, obtained his Bachelors of Science degree from The University of Albuquerque in 1977.

Upon his retirement from the military, Gerald took the position of Safety Engineer at the PANTEX Plant in Amarillo, TX, a division of the Department of Energy. According to Gerald’s memoir, it was an “ideal transition” job from military to civilian life. Gerald moved his wife and two youngest sons to Amarillo and oldest son Joe remained in Albuquerque to begin his freshman year of college. After a short period of time in Amarillo, Gerald learned that the transition wasn’t so easy for Kilcha and they decided she would move back to Albuquerque with the boys. Gerald remained in Amarillo for an additional six months driving back to New Mexico every weekend to see his family. The long commute became quite difficult for the family and Gerald moved back to Albuquerque and this is where they would remain for the rest of their lives.

Gerald’s next chapter landed him a job with the State of New Mexico as the Director of the Worker’s Compensation Association. This position was a government appointed position and Gerald was appointed by three different Governors. After this chapter, Gerald finished out his career as the Chief Operating Officer for a Worker’s Compensation self-insured group and finally retired for good in 1999.

For the past 22 years Gerald enjoyed his retirement keeping busy with wood working, travel, and catching up on his avid reading habits.  One of Gerald’s greatest passions was woodworking.  Gerald was self-taught and a perfectionist.  Gerald made it a point to build heirloom quality furniture for his family to be passed down through generations.  He was most proud of the pieces he made for his children and grandchildren, including custom computer desks, hope chests, and an overbuilt un-tippable rocking horse.  Their home is filled with beautiful examples of his talent and creativity.

When travel became a leisure opportunity, Gerald and Kilcha made it a point to drive to Las Vegas, Nevada every year and stay at their favorite resort, the Bellagio Resort.  Dad enjoyed the buffets more than gambling.  Kilcha enjoyed the slot machines.  They also made it a point to travel back East to visit the resting places of his parents and sister.

A private ceremony will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM on Monday March 8th, 2021 at 0900 hours.  Should friends desire, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or the American Heart Association.