ONEONEONTA, NY: Jack Stuligross, an educator who believed that every moment is both a learning and teaching opportunity, died on October 2. Irrepressibly enthusiastic, he taught thousands: requisition practices to soldiers in the US Army, economics to generations of college students, and stock market basics to grandchildren. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and his ability to energize all in his presence with the will to do good in their world.

A retired professor of economics at Hartwick College, Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan on July, 30, 1933, and attended Detroit Catholic Central High School ('51). He earned a degree in economics as well as an MBA from the University of Detroit. He worked as an accountant for General Motors and as an industrial economist for the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas before pursuing a career in teaching.

Jack earned his PhD from the University of Oklahoma in 1971, and taught at Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg) and Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin before coming to Hartwick College in 1980. He served as professor of economics until his retirement in 1998.

Jack believed strongly in the importance of intercultural understanding both in and out of the classroom. A leader by example, he taught economics to college students and community and political leaders in China, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. He also visited 46 countries on four continents.

Jack and his wife Kay, married for 47 years, raised a family of five boys. He was passionately devoted to his children in all their many interests and activities. In later years, he joined in the activities of his grandchildren. Jack and Kay were a loving and devoted couple who supported each other in their work at home and in the community.

Throughout his life, Jack worked steadfastly in support of community services for those in need. He taught Oneonta citizens to manage their finances and assisted their efforts to own homes through Habitat for Humanity of Oneonta. He was involved with the Family Services Association and, with his wife Kay, was an active supporter of the League of Women Voters. He and Kay also found time and space to give guidance and housing to 10 foster children. Toward the end of his life, he was actively involved in establishing the Oneonta Free Clinic. He enjoyed singing in the Catskill Choral Society and danced everything from contradance to tango (and polka of course).

Jack is survived by his wife (Katherine Melcher), five sons, 10 grandchildren, and a brother and sister.

Visitation will be Thursday, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday, 10:00 am. Both will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to the Oneonta Free Clinic, 16 Ford Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.