H. Stanley “Stan” Bolding, Ph.D., beloved economist, pilot, dog lover, Syracuse sports enthusiast, and cherished friend, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 85.

Stan was born on March 12, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Horace Melton and Lois Hoope Bolding. Introduced to aviation by his father and uncle, both employed by Braniff Airways, Stan developed a lifelong passion for flying. A standout football player at Hillcrest High School, he graduated in 1957 and earned a B.S. in Economics from Oklahoma State University in 1961.

While pursuing further studies at South Dakota State University, Stan co-piloted U.S. Airmail flights. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, where he developed a lasting affection for Syracuse Orange basketball. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1975.

Stan built a distinguished career at Data Resources Inc. (later part of McGraw Hill and WEFA), pioneering economic forecasting models. It was at WEFA that he met his beloved wife, Virginia “Ginny” Wertman. The couple married in 1981, with a dachshund serving as their best man. They enjoyed life together in Alexandria, VA, and on their 53-acre Maryland farm, sharing a passion for flying and their many dogs.

In 2009, Stan and Ginny settled in Williamsburg, VA, where they became active members of the Ford’s Colony community. Following Ginny’s passing in 2022, Stan deeply valued the care and companionship of neighbors and friends, especially Fred and Shelley Donnell, Cindy Gibson, and Janet V. Green.

Stan’s legacy includes his contributions to Wertman Village, a Habitat for Humanity project dedicated to affordable housing in Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Stan and Ginny’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg (P.O. Box 1443, Newport News, VA 23601; www.HabitatPGW.org) to support Wertman Village.

Stan will be remembered for his intellect, kindness, and devotion to those he loved.