Posted
April 22, 2026
The most prestigious honor awarded by St. Edward High School, the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizes extraordinary service to the school over multiple decades, and a commitment to excellence that leaves a lasting legacy.
Paul Stalter’s lifelong commitment to service—both to his community and to St. Edward High School—has left a lasting and visible impact. A Cleveland firefighter for 34 years, Paul rose through the ranks and spent 19 years as fire chief. He proudly served with Station 30, Battalion 6, for many of those years. Following his retirement from the fire department in 2015, he transitioned to full-time maintenance supervisor at St. Edward, where he had already been a steady presence since the early 1980s.
Inspired by his father and father-in-law—both firefighters—Paul pursued a career in the fire service. His connection to St. Edward came through his father-in-law, who oversaw maintenance at the school as a side job. What began as a way to earn extra income for his young family—cleaning boilers and assisting with repairs—quickly grew into something more. Even as a part-time employee, he took on increasing responsibility and was eventually entrusted with leading maintenance operations, ensuring the school’s facilities remained safe, functional, and ready to serve generations of students.
Over nearly four decades, Paul became the person who knew the campus better than anyone. From early-morning snow removal to late-night repairs, he approached every task with pride and care. His work touched every corner of campus—from plumbing and windows to classroom renovations and major construction projects. He played an important role in the development of key spaces, including the Jack Kahl ’58 Student Life and Leadership Center and the Michael T. George ’21 Student Success Center. When outside contractors were brought in, Paul’s knowledge proved invaluable in guiding projects and preserving the integrity of the building.
Just as meaningful as the work were the relationships. Paul built lasting friendships with colleagues who became like family and took pride in helping create an environment where students could learn and grow. When he retired in August 2025—after spending more years at St. Edward than in the fire service—his departure was a bittersweet moment for the entire community.
Paul’s decision to retire was accelerated by a diagnosis of lung cancer, prompting him to focus on treatment and time with family. Now in remission, he is grateful for his health and the support of his family and St. Edward friends. His connection to the school continues through his grandsons, Jack Marquard ’27 and Anthony Marquard ’28.
Paul and his wife, Terri, along with their daughters—Rachael, Stephanie, Deirdra, Frances—and their families, have been central to his journey. His legacy at St. Edward is defined by quiet dedication, steady leadership, and a deep care for the people and place he served so faithfully.
Please join us in honoring Paul Stalter, as well as this year's other award recipients, at the annual Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026.