LINCOLN – Town officials say they’re saddened to announce the death of former Town Administrator Burton Stallwood.
Stallwood was elected as town administrator in 1973 “and served the community with honor, integrity, and unwavering dedication for 28 years,” states the announcement. “During his tenure, he helped guide and shape the Town of Lincoln through decades of growth and progress, leaving a lasting impact on the community he cared so deeply about.”
Following his service to Lincoln, he continued his public service career as the Rhode Island U.S. Marshal, serving for seven years. He was also a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, an active member of St. Ambrose Church, and someone who remained deeply committed to his community throughout his life.
In recent years, he lived in Virginia with his family.
“His legacy of leadership, public service, and devotion to the town of Lincoln continues to this day and will not be forgotten,” say officials. “On behalf of the town of Lincoln, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Burt’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
Town Administrator Phil Gould shared a photo of Stallwood swearing in Gould and others as police officers back in 1992. He said he was deeply saddened by Stallwood’s death.
“I first met Burt back in 1992 when he and Chief William Strain hired me as a young patrolman,” he said. “A heavenly thank you to both of them for giving me the chance to serve the town of Lincoln. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Stallwood family.”
A story by former Rhode Island Catholic reporter Lauren Clem back in 2017 on Stallwood winning the Lumen Gentium Award in the category of Public Service described him as someone who made sure to allow the core values of his faith to shine through in his work in the community.
“I think the 28 years I served with integrity and honesty,” he said from his Albion home at the time. “I was very fortunate that the people gave me the opportunity to carry out some of the projects. It was always in the back of my mind that it was their town, not mine.”
Stallwood attended Mass at St. Ambrose, where also served as a Eucharistic minister and a parish trustee. Rev. Thomas Ferland, who nominated him for the award, described him as a man of prayer who allowed the message of the Gospel to penetrate his daily life.
“His support of efforts to proclaim the gospel of life, mercy and joy are strong but quiet,” Ferland was quoted as saying. “He is like the humble servant of the Lord spoken of in the scriptures.”
