Timothy Stawarz

Timothy Neal Stawarz crossed over into eternal peace to rest in the Everlasting Arms of The Creator, passing away shortly after a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana. He was 68 years old. Formerly a Connecticut resident, Timothy spent the final years of his life in Lynn Haven, Florida.

Known to his friends as Tim, he was celebrated as a gifted guitarist and singer-songwriter for over 40 years, particularly in the areas of New London, Hartford, and Norwich, Connecticut. A lifelong working musician, Tim's music career began in the high school band Cottonwood in rural Sterling, Connecticut. He remained active on the music scene as a member of popular and successful original and cover bands, including Daze, Roger C. Reale (with whom he also opened shows for bands like Squeeze, Huey Lewis and the News, and Joan Jett), Motive 8, XY Eli Band, Blonde Furniture, The Whales, and The ToneShifters. Among the favorite highlights of Tim's professional life were recording at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, TN, and the FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, alongside his best friends as part of The ToneShifters.

Tim treasured the brotherhood and sense of family he shared with his bandmates, and though he worked in sales for most of his life, music was his passion, his lifeblood, and the legacy he left behind. Many talented artists Tim worked with over his lifetime might never have crossed paths in their careers without Tim touching theirs.

Tim thrived in the realm of creativity and music. His goals were excellence and originality-he never stopped honing his craft. He was a man of solid character, known for his kind heart, humility, acceptance of others, and deep understanding of the strengths and frailties of the human condition. Witty and charismatic, Tim possessed star quality. He could captivate an audience and tell a compelling or funny story. His spontaneous smile and bold laughter lit up the room when something amused him. As a loyal friend and companion, he embodied care, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and patience. Tim was one of a kind-a rare soul with an unforgettable presence who will be profoundly missed by all.

Tim is survived by his muse, his one shining light, and his beloved fiancée, Lisa De Leon of Lynn Haven, FL; they had been planning a beach wedding for this fall. Lisa and Tim found bliss and a beautiful love with one another. They shared a common passion for music, enjoying traveling, having adventures, visiting with family and friends, and frequenting their favorite music venues. Tim was loved and will be missed by Lisa's family-the Gilberts and De Leons. Condolences go out to Tim's brother, David Charles Stawarz of NC; his cousins Mike Fox of CT; Meredith (Fox) Downey of CT; Cynthia (Fox) Ayers of TN; Bobbi (Fox) of TX; Peter Fox of NC; Paul Kritemeyer of FL; Ann (Kritemeyer) Taft of FL; as well as extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary Theresa (Fox) Stawarz of Sterling, CT. Tim's absence will be intensely felt by his close friends and former bandmates: Bill Dumas of CA; Chris and Susan MacKay of CT; Kevin Lennon of MA; and Paula D. Upton of CT. Prayers also go out to his longtime good friends and former bandmates Wally and Dawn Cwynar of CT; Ben Perry of CT; Tim Zeppieri of CT; Ron Adams of SC; Eli Williams of CT; Fredric and Ellen Mann of NC; and numerous others.

For those who loved Tim, he would want you not to wait too long in life before seizing the opportunity to truly live your dreams. He'd guide you to bet on yourself and take chances, to find a selfless and enduring love, and to cherish that person as though there's no tomorrow. He would inspire you to write a song to keep the artistic flame within you alive, listen to a great band for inspiration, and reflect on the mysterious, unfathomable nature of grace, mercy, God, and the afterlife. Tim would encourage you to strum a chord or hit a note at any hour of the day, sing out loud whenever possible, foster brotherhood wherever you can, and take the time to sit by the ocean, no matter how cold the day. He'd tell you to reach out to a friend when you're suffering. He'd remind you to search for goodness, meaning, and joy in the world, and to embrace your tears without fault or judgment.

A celebration of Tim's life is being planned by his close friends for August 2025 in Connecticut. Tim seldom missed the chance to attend a send-off for someone he deeply valued or cared about. His loved ones hope you will join them in honoring Tim's life and legacy, and offering him a final, unforgettable ovation.