Robert Patrick Stakem

Cumberland-Robert Patrick Stakem, 97, of Cumberland passed away on Sunday June 18, 2023 at the Allegany Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Cumberland, MD on November 6, 1925, he was the youngest of eight children, and he was the son of the late Thomas Charles and Alice (McPartland) Stakem, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia "Cec" (Coniff) Stakem; son, Mark Stakem, who passed away in 1977; brothers, John "Jack" Stakem and wife Eleanor, James "Jimmy" Stakem, Joseph Stakem and wife Rose, Thomas Stakem and wife Margaret; sisters, Helen "Fluff" Cumiskey and husband Thomas, Mary Catherine Stakem, and Alice "Eppie" Stakem.
Bob was a graduate of LaSalle High School, Class of 1943, where he was an All City member of the basketball and baseball teams. Bob was the 1943 Rapplier Award recipient. This award honors the outstanding student athlete for both athletic and scholastic achievements. Following high school, he continued his education at West Virginia University where he was a member of Sigma Chi. At West Virginia University, Bob was captain of the 1945 basketball team that competed in the NIT Tournament which was played in New York City at Madison Square Garden. To honor these achievements, Bob was inducted into the Western Maryland Catholic School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bob started his business career as a sales representative with McCarthy Hicks, Inc. He later was employed by Reliable Liquors. His career expanded in the industry for 45 years. Following his retirement in 1994, Bob was a part time employee at Parkview Liquor Store in Cumberland, MD. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the store, and he finally retired after working there for 24 years at the age of 92. Bob was always proud of giving the liquor store its name.
Bob was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish SS Peter and Paul Shrine, life member of the Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council 586, and the BPOE Elks.
Bob is survived by his children, Sally Seward and husband Edward, Robert "Rocky" Stakem, Jr., Molly Rider and husband John, and Eric Stakem and wife Karen; grandchildren, Matthew Seward and wife Tracie, Justin Seward and husband Jason, Dr. Garrett Seward and Wiyatta, Sarah Parisi and husband Chris, Patrick Rider and wife Rachel, Annie Rider, Katie Stakem, Jack Stakem and Maggie Stakem; great grandchildren, Huey and Flynn Seward, Olivia and Johnny Rider. Affectionately referred to as "Uncle Bobby," he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At his request, Bob will be cremated. Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7 P.M. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at SS. Peter and Paul Shrine on Friday at 11 A.M. Inurnment will take place in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery following the Mass.
The family would like to extend their thankfulness to the staff of the Allegany Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and compassionate care given to Bob.
In lieu of sending flowers, those wishing to honor Bob's memory may do so by making contributions to the Shrine of SS Peter and Paul, c/o Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, 300 E Oldtown Rd. Ste 2, Cumberland, MD 21502, or to the Activities Department at the Allegany Health and Rehabilitation Center, 730 Furnace St, Cumberland, MD 21502.