Stanley L. Vistica
Devoted father, husband, friend, architect, and long time member of the Burlingame Planning Commission died on September 30th at his home in Burlingame, CA. He was 59.
Stan had a zest for life which included working and playing hard. He contributed strongly to both his work and local community, working most recently as an independent architect and serving on the Burlingame Planning Commission as well as the Citizens Environmental Council. Of utmost importance though to Stan was the act of taking care of and spending time with his family, both near and far. He loved watching his daughters perform either on stage or the playing field, and kept his own game going with a weekly round of basketball. He loved to laugh, and to share laughter with others.
Stan was born and raised in San Mateo, Ca. He worked in construction and landscaping, and traveled widely before attending UC Berkley, studying architecture. As an architect he had extensive experience in development and management. He led academic, cultural and institutional projects. He worked on various building types including university libraries, bio-tech buildings and laboratories at Stanford, Berkeley and Davis, as well as projects for San Francisco State and Burundi, Africa. Colleagues saw him as a great all around practitioner, enjoying and excelling at design, developing new client relationships, trust and respect. He was known for mentoring and hiring new architects and for his positive and uplifting personality.
As a Planning Commissioner he dedicated many hours in service to the City of Burlingame. On the Planning Commission colleagues and friends say he has left his mark for years to come in the development of Burlingame's planning future. It was in this capacity in which he was a leading voice in creating the new Mills Peninsula Medical Center building. With its size and prominence, the project was controversial with many different voices pushing for a variety of design elements. As the lone architect on the Commission at the time, he was thought of as a rational voice that brought leadership to the Commission. "Being a strong architect, he informed the other commissioners on the project.," said one Planning Commission staff member. "He was an important part of that project getting approved."
He leaves behind his wife Lisa Happich, and daughters Madeleine and Camille who were by his side when he passed away. He is pre deceased by his mother Barbara Vistica. He also leaves behind his father Donald Vistica Sr, brothers Donald Vistica Jr., Gregory L. Vistica, sister Mary V. Sanford, and Stephen Howell, a first cousin and brother at heart, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Stan's 2 1/2 year battle with brain cancer did not diminish his spirit. He lived life to the fullest until the end. He will be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him as a person of integrity and wit, tenacity, faith and love.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Burlingame from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday October 4th. Mass at the same location on Friday October 5th at 1:30 pm. Burial at St. John's Cemetery and reception to follow at The Benjamin Franklin Hotel. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to either, The UCSF BTRC c/o Nicholas Butowski MD, UCSF Neurological Surgery, Division of Neuro- Oncology, 400 Parnassus Ave 0372, San Francisco, CA 94143 checks payable to "UC Regents" memo: BTRC or, The Mercy Center, Cancer Prayer Group, Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 checks payable to "Mercy Center" memo: In memory of Stanley Vistica, Cancer Prayer Group.
To paraphrase BIG V (Stan's dad), I am proud that Stanley Lloyd Vistica is my friend!
Posted by: Jeff | October 05, 2012 at 08:12 AM
What a loss, but what a fighter. My heartfelt condolences to Lisa, the girls and the rest of his extended family. What a good guy.
Posted by: alittlebird | October 05, 2012 at 07:23 PM
Today's funeral, burial and reception were just exceptional. The thought and care the family put into the planning was obvious to all. Fr. Ryan gave a very heartfelt and faithful service at St. Catherine's. The reception at the Ben Franklin hotel was the chance for friends old and new to celebrate Stan's impact on all of us. We miss you, friend.
Posted by: Joe | October 05, 2012 at 09:03 PM
It was beautiful to see all the little babies grown up and participate in their Fathers passing.
Posted by: Holyroller | October 06, 2012 at 09:23 PM
This is an old Eskimo legend:
Perhaps they are not the stars
but openings in heaven
where the love of our lost one
pours through
and shines down upon us
to let us know
their souls are at peace.
Rest in peace, Stan. You were surrounded by the love of family, friends & neighbors both near and far.
Posted by: Two Cents | October 10, 2012 at 08:17 PM