Scott Michael Stanley died peacefully on September 1, 2026 surrounded by family at his home in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. 

He was born on February 11, 1960, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, to William and Frances Stanley in Kingston, New York. 

Scott attended St. John’s University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and later a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Scott joined the U.S. Navy in March 1983 and served until retiring in June of 2010 after completing 27 years of exceptional service as both a Surface Warfare Officer and Naval Intelligence Officer achieving the rank of Captain (O6). His career included a total of 6 years at sea, and 8 additional years of foreign service in England, Spain, and Russia. 

His awards included Defense Superior Service Medal (2 awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2 awards), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (4 awards).

He married his beautiful wife Kelle on September 20, 1986 and they had four wonderful children, Matthew, Sarra, Joshua, and Emma. He was an avid fan of music, movies, the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Yankees. He had a rich baritone voice and loved to sing throughout the day. He loved animals, especially dogs, and would always have a story to tell about his own, if you’d let him. He enjoyed studying history and reading. Scott was a published author and has released two installments of The Charlotte Morris Mystery trilogy series (Betrayal of the Cloak and Absent All Remorse), with the final installment to come in late 2026. He loved to laugh, share stories, and spend time with family. Most importantly, he was a devout Catholic and believed faithfully in the promise of Heaven to those who follow His commandments.

Scott is survived by his wife, Kelle, children, Matthew (Trina), Sarra, Joshua (Auburn), and Emma (Ben), grandchildren, Declan and one on the way, and siblings, Diane, Warren, and Cassandra.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances, and sister, Kathleen.

Visitation and a rosary will be September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, Kansas. The funeral Mass will follow immediately at 12:00 PM celebrated by Fr. Aaron Waldeck.

Burial with full military honors will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas. Reception to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Stanley, Joshua Stanley, Ben Koca, Warren Stanley, Adam Stanley, and Rick McMillan.

Scott Stanley, father of Emma Koca, Social Media Manager, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on the evening of September 1, 2026. 

Scott served 27 years in the U.S. Navy, including 6 years at sea and 8 years of foreign service in Spain, Russia, and England. He retired in 2010 as a Naval Intelligence Officer achieving the rank of Captain (O6). He was an avid fan of music, movies, the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Yankees. He had a rich baritone voice and loved to sing throughout the day. He loved animals, especially dogs, and would always have a story to tell about his own, if you’d let him. He enjoyed studying history and reading. Scott was a published author and has released two installments of The Charlotte Morris Mystery trilogy series (Betrayal of the Cloak and Absent All Remorse), with the final installment to come in late 2026. He loved to laugh, share stories, and spend time with family. Most importantly, he was a devout Catholic and believed faithfully in the promise of Heaven to those who follow His commandments.

Visitation and a rosary will be September 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, Kansas. The funeral Mass will follow immediately at 12:00 PM celebrated by Fr. Aaron Waldeck. 

Burial with full military honors will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas. Reception to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Parish. All are welcome to attend.

Please keep his wife, Kelle, and their family in your prayers.