Stuart Goldsborough

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our cherished and beloved son and brother, Stuart Goldsborough, of Navarre, FL, at the age of 54.

Stuart was born on Eglin AFB, Florida to two loving parents, Louis and Sheila Goldsborough, who after 38 years in Niceville moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2006.

Stuart was a lifelong resident of the “Sunshine State” of Florida.  He graduated from Niceville Senior High School in 1984 and continued to receive a BS in Industrial Engineering and Electrical Technology from the University of West Florida (UWF), Pensacola, in 1994.  Stuart worked through a co-op program at UWF with Pensacola Naval Station, where he went on to remain for the next 28 years, working his way up to a GS-14 as an IT Specialist – Project Manager Lead for the Department of Homeland Security.

Stuart is survived by his adoring mother, Sheila Goldsborough, Colorado Springs, CO; his two loving sisters and brothers-in-law, Darlene and Steve Recca, Colorado Springs, CO, and Leslie and Jim Rozzi, also of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by four beautiful and caring nieces: Sophie, Natalie, Isabella, and Bernadette. Without a doubt, they loved their fun and very humorous, whole-hearted Uncle Stuie; Stu also leaves behind four amazing great nieces and one remarkable great nephew; four incredible uncles and aunts of England and Australia; many wonderful cousins; and a many, many fabulous friends from all over.

Stuart is preceded in death by his loving father, Louis Goldsborough; a brother, Louis Goldsborough, Jr, who died as an infant; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two aunts; one uncle; and other family members that lived wonderful lives long before his time.

Stuart was a selfless friend to everyone he met. A truly wonderful human being – ready and willing at a moment’s notice. He was known as the “neighborhood handyman,” helping neighbors fix everything from garage doors and lawn pumps to helping to putting up blinds. He was also deemed the “official hot dog griller” by his neighbor of over 25 years and was a member of the neighborhood “birthday dinner” club.  I am sure the friendship and the generous compassion he had for his neighbors will be in their hearts for a long time.

Stuart was affiliated with many charitable and nonprofit organizations in his community. He volunteered his time with the Santa Rosa County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and spent many Thanksgivings delivering meals and feeding the less fortunate in Santa Rosa County. Stu never stopped until the last meal was handed out – even if that meant he didn’t eat; he would take himself and, if she was in town, Mom, to the local Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner – our Mom loved those very special days.

His best friends of 40+ years, Karl and Cindy, spoke and wrote about just how special of a friend he was.  From Cindy, “Stuart had many admirable qualities. The one that most stands out for me is what an incredible gentleman he was.  In today’s time, when good manners are becoming more and more rare, Stuart always made a lady feel like a lady (holding doors open, assisting you in and out of your car, pulling out the chair).  He was a shining example of what a gentleman should be. He had a keen sense of humor, too. Stuart could always make you laugh, even though, his sweet smile and mellow manners would have you believe he was somewhat shy until he got to know you; then you were privileged to see his quirky side. Get him together around Karl, and you were guaranteed a laugh or two or more.”

Stuart celebrated life through donating his time and talent to friends and many organizations. When he did take time for himself, Stu enjoyed woodworking, motorcycle riding, and learning – anything and everything. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Project Management Institute, Disaster Recovery Institute, ISC2, ISACA, and the Emerald Coast PMI.

Stuart donated to the Sisters of the Poor, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, help us to “Celebrate Stuart’s life” by making a donation to one of these charities.

Please join us in remembering Stuart, January 11,2020 with a service at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, and a reception at 11:00 a.m. Additional information is available on the Rose Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Gulf Breeze website.