Stanley A. Ashdown

Stanley A. Ashdown

Owner-Operator All Breed Dog Grooming

Stanley A. Ashdown, age 80, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2023, with his loving family at his side.

Stanley was born in Boston, MA, on July 18, 1942; he was the cherished son of the late Clythie and Stanley Ashdown.  Stanley was raised and educated in Wilmington; he loved sports and was proud to say that he was on one of the first baseball teams when Little League came to Wilmington where he was an All-Star Pitcher for his team (The Indians).  Stanley was also Vice President of his Senior Class at Wilmington High School and a graduate with the Class of 1960. 

Stanley married his high school sweetheart Elaine Hersom on April 23, 1966; the couple raised a beautiful family and shared many wonderful years together.  Stanley and Elaine’s home was always open to family and friends; they made everyone feel welcomed and loved.  Stanley and Elaine looked forward to family holidays where there was always an abundance of food, family, friends, and fun! The family also enjoyed vacations at Old Orchard Beach, Maine where Stanley loved driving his Corvette at daybreak along the shoreline. He would park and watch the sun come up while “people watching”. Stanley also enjoyed just “hanging out” at home with his “clicker”, dog, and family.

Stanley had a great work ethic, he took pride in everything he did, and always treated his customers with the utmost respect.  Stanley made great relationships with his customers as well as his co-workers throughout the years; many of them became extended family.  Stanley started his career as a barber for McCoy’s Barber Shop in Wilmington where he worked for several years; during this time, Stanley was in a terrible accident which forced him to go on disability.  As he began to recover and got a little stronger, Stanley, worked for his father-in-law at R. H. Hersom Builders and was eager to learn the “ins and outs” of the construction business.  Stanley quickly became involved in the business as a coordinator for lining up subs, ordering materials, running for permits, or working with the banks - whatever needed to be done, he was right there to give a hand. 

In 1981 Stanley decided to change professions, he took his love of animals, especially dogs, along with his barber skills and thus “All Breed Dog Grooming” was born.  Stanley started his business in a little building on Main Street in Wilmington, where he worked hard, built a great client base, and treated his clients like family. Stanley had a way with the dogs, they loved seeing him and came in tails waging.  After more than fifteen years in Wilmington, Stanley opened another shop in North Reading which again was very successful.  Stanley also shared his time and talents with others; he became an instructor in dog grooming and helped others to start their own careers. Stanley retired from dog grooming in 2019.

Stanley was always one to hustle, work hard, and get the job done but he always managed to be done with his duties for the day and change gears around three in the afternoon when he hurried home to his children.  Stanley was their personal “uber” running them to after school sports, clubs, dancing, activities, or whatever they needed to get to.  He made them tow the line when it came do doing homework, using their manners, and helping around the house.  He showered his children with unconditional love, taught them the importance of family, and family traditions.  Holidays were “big” and celebrated in the Ashdown home, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, but Stanley’s favorite holiday was Valentines Day with “his girls” and Brian; he made sure they felt special and loved.  Stanley was very proud of his children; as they became adults and started their own careers, Stanley was right there as a source of encouragement, he was a great mentor and taught them to reach for the stars. 

Stanley’s life became even more enriched when the grandchildren started to arrive; he loved to spoil them and developed a unique and special relationship with each one; they were all “his favorite”.  .

Throughout his life, Stanley, had a passion for cars especially muscle cars or vintage models.  He was mechanically inclined or as some would say a “motor head” and he could fix or restore just about any vehicle.  When it came to vehicle maintenance, Stanley was a fanatic, his cars were impeccably detailed and always in top shape.  Stanley enjoyed driving around in his Corvettes, his Mustang, and his Falcon; he proudly restored.  Stanley had a great group of “car” friends who convened at “the Club house” outside Sunrise Market, where they got their morning coffee, socialized, and discussed car stories.  Stanley also enjoyed heading out to countless car shows with his children, grandchildren, and friends; he had so much knowledge that he was eager to share with them. 

Stanley will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and quick wit; he was the first to tell a joke or pull a funny prank.  Stanley loved to socialize with family, friends, neighbors, or a complete stranger; he was easy to talk to and would go out of his way to help anyone.  Stanley was an early riser, a hard worker, a devoted family man and a true friend to many.  Stanley’s upbeat and positive attitude was as infectious as his beaming smile; he took adversities in life and made something positive out of every situation.  Stanley was a true example of how we should live our lives and help others every chance we get.  Stanley touched so many throughout his life, he will forever be loved and missed by all who knew him.

Stanley was the beloved husband of Elaine P. Ashdown (Hersom), devoted father of Tracie Clythie Calder of Boston, Jaylene Pearl Ashdown and Kimberly Dorothy Humphrey both of Wilmington, and Brian Roy Ashdown & his wife Kristan of Saugus.  Loving “Dubby” of Kaylee, Cindra, Tyler, Marcus, Cameron, Ava, Brody, Chase and Caleb.  Cherished son of the late Clythie (Hazlett) and Stanley Ashdown, dear brother of the late Darrell Ashdown & his wife Alice Ashdown formerly of Tewksbury, brother-in-law of Nancy Brennick & her late husband Leo, Marie Pote & her late husband Tom, Dorothy Pilcher & her late husband John, the late Richard Hersom, the late John Hersom, Fran Hersom, and the late Maureen Dugan all of Wilmington.  Stanley is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, April 5th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  A Service to Celebrate Stanley’s life will take place on Thursday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilmington United Methodist Church, 87 Church St., Wilmington.  Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stanley’s memory may be made to Rescue All the Dogs, 211 Main St., North Reading, MA  01864.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com