Harry Stillman Quast, RADM, USN. Ret..

Rear Admiral Harry Stillman Quast, USN (Ret.)
May 30, 1935 – June 10, 2025

Rear Admiral Harry Quast, United States Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully at the age of
90. A proud native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, he was born on May 30, 1935, into a Navy family
and carried on that tradition with honor, courage, and commitment throughout his life. His
journey, spanning nine decades, was marked by exceptional military service, visionary
leadership, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Though a decorated naval officer and pioneering leader in the modernization of the U.S. Navy,
Harry would often say, “The Navy was my career, and I’m proud of my service—but who I am is
a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a brother, and a son.” And that sentiment guided the
heart of his life.

Harry’s proudest accomplishment was his 65-year marriage to his beloved wife, Merrill, whom
he met in Louisville, Kentucky, while serving as an instructor for the Naval ROTC at the
University of Louisville. Merrill was the daughter of his commanding officer, Captain Robert C. Sleight—a union of love and shared military tradition. Together they raised three children—Skip Quast (Shelby), Cathy Davis (Dan), and Jennifer Norris (Todd)—and created a warm, close-knit family that now includes nine grandchildren: Lauren Quast Esposito (Cara), Scott Davis (Sarah), Brynn Davis (Eric), Lyndy Quast, Brooks Norris (Kaitlyn), Jack Davis (Grace), Tyler Norris, Bennett Norris, and Emma Norris. In the past year, Harry welcomed two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Harrison—fondly known as “Harry”—bringing joy to his final days.

He also had a sense of adventure including travel, wineries, good food, a vodka martini with
onions, long walks, biking, skiing, tennis, golf and roller coasters.
Family was at the center of Harry’s world. He was happiest when surrounded by his loved ones,
organizing holiday gatherings and family vacations, always focused on creating cherished
memories filled with laughter, stories, games, food, and togetherness. That legacy of love,
tradition, and unity will live on through the generations.

A Distinguished Naval Career

Harry Quast graduated from Miami (Ohio) University, where he participated in the Naval
Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). He was commissioned as an ensign in June 1957 and
reported to his first duty aboard the USS San Marcos, serving as Assistant Gunnery Officer and
Navigator. From those early days at sea, his career was one of steady advancement and
remarkable leadership.

In 1960, he returned to shore duty as an operations and navigation instructor for the NROTC
Unit at the University of Louisville. His subsequent assignments reflected a wide range of
operational and strategic roles, including:
• Operations and Engineering Officer, USS Hazelwood
• Commanding Officer, USS Skill (MSO-471)
• Commanding Officer, USS Hull (DD-945)
• Commander, Destroyer Squadron Five
• Assistant Chief of Staff, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet
• Director, Navy Information Resources Management
• Director, Navy Integrated Risk Management
• Director, Information Systems Division, Office of the Secretary of the Navy

Harry earned a Master of Science in Business Data Processing from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate
School, reflecting his growing interest in information systems. That education laid the
foundation for what would become a defining contribution to the future of naval operations.

Architect of the “Paperless Ship”

Promoted to Rear Admiral, Harry Quast was instrumental in transforming how the Navy
operated through technology. He was the driving force behind the visionary concept of the
“paperless ship”—a bold and forward-thinking effort to replace “literal” tons of paper-based
manuals and data with digital systems aboard the Navy’s fleet of 600 ships. His work introduced compact discs, portable laser machines, and computer-based images to improve readiness, streamline training, and save critical manpower.

Government Computer News named him one of its two Government Executives of the Year,
and his CO calling him “an invaluable asset to the Navy” and “the premier Navy authority in the field of Information Systems.” His innovations are now standard practice across the Navy and other military branches.

Honors and Decorations

Rear Admiral Quast’s exemplary service was recognized with numerous awards, including:
• Bronze Star
• Two Meritorious Service Medals
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

A Leader, Mentor, and Believer in the Next Generation

Even after retiring from active duty in 1988, Rear Admiral Quast accepted a position as
Executive VP at CACI and continued to serve as a civilian program manager, lending his
experience and insight to vital Navy programs. He remained a vocal advocate for veterans, a
mentor to younger officers, and a firm believer in the strength of future generations.

In his 1988 keynote address at Northwestern University, he reflected on the enduring spirit of
American service:
“Each generation of Americans, at one time or another, has expressed doubts about the ability
of the younger generation to provide ‘the right stuff.’ The younger generation always comes up
with it.”

That belief guided how he parented, grand parented, and supported the next generation of
leaders—not only in uniform but in life.

Legacy

Rear Admiral Harry Quast’s life leaves an indelible mark on his family, his colleagues, and the nation he served. From his roots in Wisconsin to the bridge of a destroyer and the command
centers of Washington, DC, he led with integrity, foresight, and a deep sense of purpose. He will be remembered for his service, honored for his innovation, and cherished for the love he gave to those closest to him.

He is deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family,
friends, and the broader Navy and military communities.

Fair winds and following seas, Admiral. Your watch is complete.

A funeral Mass will take place later this summer with interment at Arlington National Cemetery
to follow at a later date. Arrangement updates will be announced in the obituary section of
moneyandking.com.