Dr. Ellsworth James Stay departed this earth on September 28, 2026, to join his heavenly family including his father and mother, Ellsworth McQuire and Marie Theresa Stay, and his two sisters, Arlene Marie Elliott and Joyce Ann Unti. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Martha Denise (Donnelly), as well as three children, Judge Ellsworth James Jr. (Suanne), Rachel Tone Smith, Dr. Rourke McQuire (Amy), and nine grandchildren, Reilly, Trey, Colin, Shannon, Adelle, Greta, Henry, Fern, and Scarlett. He also leaves many golf and bridge partners, with whom he held a special bond.

Dr. Stay, best known as Rusty or Russ, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 15, 1946. He grew up in Detroit and Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, attended Our Lady Star of the Sea, and then attended Austin Catholic Preparatory School. He received the Midwest Province Augustinian Academic scholarship to Villanova University, where he graduated with BA Honors degree in 1968. He then attended the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University, graduating with an MD in 1973. He did his pathology internship and residency, including chief residency, at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, from 1973 to 1977, and was a Pathology Fellow at Harvard Medical School. He was a Board Certified Fellow of the College of American of American Pathologists, as well as a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Pathology, of the International Academy of Pathology, and of the New England Society of Pathology.

Dr. Stay joined the medical staff and pathology department at the Arlington Hospital in Arlington, Virginia, later known as Virginia Hospital Center in 1978. He was the chief of Surgical Pathology and had a special interest in tumor pathology, especially breast cancer. As Chairman of the Cancer Committee for 30 years, he guided the Cancer Program and its national accreditation. He published more than 20 scientific articles including describing the relationship of nephroblastoma and neurofibromatosis in the journal Cancer and elucidating the pathology of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). He also presented at numerous Breast Cancer symposia. He was president of the Arlington County Medical Society and the Metropolitan Medical Society.

Russ and family resided in the Chesterbrook area of McLean, Virginia, for over 44 years. He was an active member of the Washington Golf and Country Club. His favorite avocations included golf and bridge. He was a low handicapper in both, representing the club as a golf "A" team member and Bridge team member. He had three holes in one and a low round of 66. His golf trips were legendary with special camaraderie with best friends Dave, John, and Earl, but he was happiest when playing golf with Martha and the kids. He loved following the children’s sports and rarely missed a game or dive meet. He also coached youth sports in the McLean Youth Organization.

Finally, Russ saw things as a puzzle, whether it be a difficult clue in the NYT crossword, an unusual bridge bid, a hard 25 foot putt with two breaks, or a diagnostic slide challenge. He was eternally grateful to have his lifelong spouse Martha and loving children to cherish and love.

A funeral Mass will be held 10:00AM, Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Anne Catholic Church.

Those who wish to express sympathy may consider a donation to St. Anne Outreach.

https://www.osvhub.com/stanneoutreach/giving/funds