Stewart Olin Sapp
July 8, 1951 ~ January 16, 2022
Stewart Olin Sapp, 70, of Princeton, IL, passed away on January 16, 2022 at OSF St. Clare Hospital in Princeton, IL, after a brief and sudden illness. He was surrounded by his family.
Stu (he was Stewart only to his mother) was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eleanor Sapp, an older brother Bobby, and George and Evelyn Zacur, who welcomed him into their family like a son. He is survived by his wife and devoted partner of 50 years, Becky; daughters Shannon (Jason) Killion and Courtney (Hudson) Ludvigson; four adoring grandchildren, Kyle and Kyra Killion and Carver and Bronwyn Ludvigson; his big sister, Sherry (Terry) DeSalle and bonus siblings Joni Anderson, Sarah (Richard) Watkins and Gary (Sharon) Zacur; along with many nieces and nephews.
It’s nearly impossible to sum up a presence as big as Stu’s in a few short paragraphs. He was born in Kewanee, IL on July 8, 1951. While he was growing up, his family moved about the country, settling in western Pennsylvania in the mid-1960s. Stu graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in Latrobe, PA in 1969. While at Latrobe, he formed many lifelong bonds. He met and fell for Rebecca Ruby, (“Cutest Couple,” according to their classmates) and was the center on the 1968 WPIAL State Champion football team. He is still close to many of those teammates to this day. It is also there that Stu became friends with Alex Zacur; it was this friendship that brought the Zacurs, his second family, into his life.
Stu and Becky were married in 1971 and settled in New Hampshire, where Stu played football at the University of New Hampshire and graduated in 1973. A hotelier by trade, Stu first worked at multiple Holiday Inns and twice attended Holiday Inn’s Innkeeper School in Olive Branch, MS. He also spent time working in the coal mines and steel mills of western Pennsylvania. His return to the hotel business meant several more moves for the family, taking them from Texas to Michigan and Ohio before finally bringing them to Princeton. With each new location came a new set of lifelong friends. Becky and Stu also made a brief move to New Jersey in 1997 when Stu worked for Corporate Ramada, where he again made many of his coworkers feel like family. When life brought Stu and Becky back to Princeton in 2000, they picked back up where they left off, resuming relationships with dear, old friends, and forging new ones. They were lucky enough to enjoy many more years there making new memories with their treasured friends and family and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in June of 2021.
Stu touched many lives and will live on in many hearts. He never knew a stranger and was the consummate host. Loved ones will dearly miss Stu’s larger-than-life personality, booming voice, turn of phrase, cryptic text messages, exaggerated stories, generosity, and willingness to drop everything and pitch in whenever needed. No memorial or celebration could be adequate for the impact Stu had on this world, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try. A small memorial service will be held at 3 PM on January 22, 2022, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, IL with Pastor Adam Webber, officiating The service will be preceded by a visitation from 1-3 PM (masks will be required.) Later this spring, the family will honor him with a Celebration of Life, Stu-style. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Strays, P.O. Box 315, Princeton, IL 61550. Stu will be met at the Rainbow Bridge by his beloved dog, Ollie, and multiple cats that he didn’t want but loved anyway.
If you’re looking for other ways to honor Stu’s memory, help a friend or neighbor with a project. When you’re done, toast him with an ice-cold beer and a Tootsie Pop.
And as always, friends: Be well, be safe.
Online condolences can be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com
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Thoughts and prayers to Stu’s family at this difficult time. I met Stu through his sister Sherry and he was always the life of the conversation.
Sure gonna miss him. Sapp Family Reunions will never be the same here on earth, but the one in Heaven is surely hoppin’.
We are so sorry for your loss Becky Sending thoughts prayers and hugs to you and your family Stu was a great guy and will be missed by all
My deepest condolences to Becky and family. Stu was a great guy and i feel blessed to have known him.
The pleasure was all mine! I met Stu while working for HFS in Parsippany, NJ. I was the Director of Franchise services for Howard Johnson and Stu always had a fun way of letting me know His love for Ramada. I valued his knowledge and often bounced things off him. His door was always open. R.I.P. my friend
Although I hadn’t seen Stu in many years I remember him well and even in high school he had all the warm qualities someone captured so well in his obituary. Sending prayers for and condolences to Becky and his family.
Becky and family – We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Stu was a kind, considerate, and great person. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
RIP Stu. Our deepest sympathies for Becky and the family. One of the best. We’ll never forget him and he’ll be missed by the coaches and teammates of the 1968 WPIAL state championship team.
Since my sister doesn’t know much about computers I would like to send this to Stu’s family. I am Lina Noel’s youngest sister. Stu was such a great and loving friend to my brother-in-law Leon. The whole way through Leon’s 5 year struggle with cancer Stu was a constant presence by phone and text everyday. Even to the point of driving from Illinois to Connellsville, Pa. to be a pall bearer for Leon. I know Leon would have done the same for him. That’s how much they loved each other. Both of their deaths within months of each other leaves such a big hole in many people’s lives. They were a joy to be with especially if they were together. They are once again together and laughing up a storm I’m sure. Becky, we are so sorry for your great loss and those of your family. – Linda Noel, Judy and Toni Kula.
To know Stu was to love him. He was a very special man who made a wonderful life with his forever love Becky. We send our deepest sympathy, our continued prayers, our support, and our love and friendship always.
Marty and I are heartbroken to hear of Stu’s passing….We’re so glad we got to see you at our class reunion in July 2019 and had some good conversations. Becky, you and your daughters and families are in our thoughts and prayers. Stu was one of a kind and had a great big heart that everyone loved! He will be missed by many.
Our deepest sympathies to you Becky and your family. Our thoughts and prays are with you.
Becky, my heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. He. Will be missed by so many people and was such a great guy. Hugs and prayers.
GOD bless
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Feel our love and hugs.
No words can express our feelings at this time. We will so miss our weekly group phone calls and all of the lifetime of laughs and love. Becky, we love you and are here for you always â¤ï¸ðŸ™
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Becky!
Hopefully Alex was welcoming you when you crossed the rainbow bridge! So very sorry for your loss Becky, Shannon, Courtney, and extended family.
Becky, I was shocked to hear about Stu. While my memories of him are fixed in 1969 I can’t help but think of him as an outgoing man who was a friend to all. I can’t forget how Stu was always kind to me, a nerd rather than a football player. He accepted me an as an equal and for that I will forever hold him dear. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Stu was a friend during my years in school with him and our graduating class of 1969. Had the privilege is catching up with him at our 50th reunion. Stu was always cheerful and helpful to all. His smile and friendship will live on in our memories. Rest In Peace with our Lord! Until we meet again!
So sorry to hear of Stu’s passing. We feel fortunate to have known your family.
Becky, I was very sorry to hear this. Please know you and your family are in my prayers .
I am so very sorry for your loss! We always loved seeing Stu and Becky come into The Park Tavern! He will be greatly missed 😢
We are deeply saddened to learn of Stu’s passing. In the short time that our lives intersected with his, we were inspired by his full throttled embrace of life, family and friends. He was generous, hilarious, irreverent and one of the kindest people we’ve ever known. Becky, Shannon and Courtney you and your wonderful families are in our prayers. He will be so lovingly remembered and so deeply missed. And he taught us always to remember ” you catch more bees with honey.” We love you all. Curran and Katie, Sonoma California
Dear Becky, Shannon, Courtney, and family. Passing along my deepest condolences. Stu was truly one-of-a-kind. It was a privilege to know him, laugh with him, and experience his effortless love. I only have fond and fun memories of Stu (and you all 🙂 I wish I could be with you during this difficult and sad time and give you all big Stu-like hugs. He will be dearly missed and I am so sorry for your loss. Love you all, Jocelyn
To the Sapp Family,
Wishing you comfort during the difficult days. Our deepest condolences.
~ IMD Guest House Staff
Dearest Becky, Shannon, and Courtney: We lost a real beauty; there will never be another like Stu. I will miss seeing him banging golf balls out at Wyaton Hills. You all are in my thoughts.
Becky and family! My sincere condolences and sympathy on the loss of Stu! Prayers for your family.. 💙
Goodbye my friend. I last saw you when you and Becky gave me a ride after the football reunion. Although we didn’t stay in touch It’s sad knowing we won’t meet again. You were one of the best.
My condolences to Becky and family.
I’m heartbroken and saddened to learn of Stu’s passing. I was fortunate to have worked with him when he was in NJ working for Ramada Corporate (Cendant which became Wyndham).
Stu was a great mentor to me. He had such a huge heart! He truly cared about people. I learned so much from him. He was passionate about work and was full of conviction. And he made it fun to be at work! I loved listening to all his stories. He was larger than life. Everyone knew Stu!
Unfortunately, we lost touch after we weren’t working at the same corporation. But I will never forget him. One of his work mantras that has stayed with me is, it’s better to sell a room for something than nothing. Once you lose that opportunity for room sales, you can never regain it. Lost revenue, lost opportunity. I quoted him so many times and it’s been over 15 years. Stu was one of a kind and will be missed by so so many.
I had the honor of working with. Stu for over 10 years at Cendant. Like so many others, Stu was a mentor and friend. We shared many stories and good times over those years. Bigger than life, and a gentle giant. He truly was one of a kind. Rest well my friend.
My thoughts and concerns with Becky and family.. ….fond memories of many high school interactions with Stu around sports…. it’s been a disappointing week trying to process your loss. .all the best Dave
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Becky and girls I’m so heart broken on your loss I can’t even begin to imagine. He will be missed dearly. God Definitely received a special angel!
Such a special guy! Can’t imagine this world without Stu. Becky, my heart goes out to you, dear friend, and to your beautiful family. So many wonderful memories to give you strength and peace until you meet your dear sweet Stu again. Love you.
Becky and family .. sending our deepest sympathy ..
Stu and I became friends at Mt. View Elementary School and continued that friendship through high school. His family lived close to our home and during those formative years we spent many hours talking. Stu also attended numerous parties at my family’s home following high school football games. He was a wonderful friend and we spent many hours talking. I was privileged to be able to visit with him again during our 50th High School reunion. While we didn’t maintain our friendship after high school, he was a positive influence on my adolescence and I appreciated his kind heart and love of people in general. He and Becky were, indeed, our classes “cutest couple.” It is clear that Stu was loved by his family and friends and had a fulfilling life; for that I am grateful. My sincerest condolences are extended to Becky and Stu’s entire family. He was a wonderful person and will forever remain in my memory as a friend who positively influenced my early life.
Dear Becky and family,
You have our deepest sympathy on the sudden and tragic passing of Stu. It is my honor and privilege to not only be one of his football coaches, science teacher, and also a friend who respected him greatly.
With his athleticism, leadership skills, and the ability to learn quickly, he became the standard by which all future centers at Latrobe were judged.
Stu’s big personality will be missed by everyone who knew him, and we were privileged to share a small part of our life with him. Sure will miss his trips to Latrobe.
At this time, Becky, we feel helpless, but if there is anything we can do please let us know.
Love, Bob & Liz Brewer
Stu, I will always remember you as a true friend. I especially cherish our days on the tennis courts in our friendly, competitive matches. Truth be told you were probably a very slightly better tennis player than I was however at the time neither of us who admit our weaknesses. I am with you today as your family bids you farewell but only till we all meet again. Your Friend, Danny Resenic
Becky and family
my heart is heavy to learn of Stu’s passing. what a wonderful addition to our family. he was much loved by my dad (Uncle John) my mom (Aunt BJ). my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Annie
Our hearts are broken to hear about Stu. Not enough words to express our sympathy. He will be in our hearts forever!
Stu was the best boss ever. I worked for him at the Holiday Inn in Howell, Mi back on the early 80’s. He seen something in me at a 17 y/o kid and gave me a chance. Went from a dishwasher to Night Auditor w/I a year. 40 years later I am a Senior Buyer for an Autoparts manufacturer.
I’ve tried to emulate Stu’s management style my entire career. He was definitely my mentor.
My condolences go out to his family.
R.I.P. Sir.