Richard Clark Stalker

1948 - 2021

Richard Clark Stalker

Clinton Corners - Family and friends gained another guardian angel to watch over them. Richard Clark Stalker passed away unexpectedly at Northern Dutchess Hospital on April 29, 2021. Richard, the youngest of five children, was born to Thomas and Ernestine (Perotti) Stalker on February 28, 1948, starting life on the Perotti family farm in Millerton. At age 8, the family moved to Poughkeepsie, where he graduated from FDR in 1966. He graduated from Dutchess Community College and attended Western Connecticut State before enlisting in the US Navy in 1970, where he served on the USS Joseph K. Taussig, an escort destroyer. He continued his service as a reservist until 1975. Richard was very proud to have served his country and be a Veteran.

In 1972, he became an apprentice with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 201, which later merged with Local 21. He was very active in the union. Over the years he taught in the apprentice program, served on the Financial Board, and was a Trustee. After the merger, he remained active and continued in an elected position until this past year, even though he officially retired from the trade in 2011. He was a dedicated worker and supporter of the union and loved telling stories about the men and places that he had worked over the years.

Richard married the love of his life, Jeanne Marlette, on April 29, 1978. They raised two sons. He was active in Taconic Little League, Millbrook Youth Hockey, and Millbrook High School Hockey (Mid-Hudson Hockey Association), stretching a span of 20 some years and meeting a network of amazing friends. He instilled in his sons a good work ethic and the love of hunting, fishing, and gardening. During his retirement he created ways to keep busy by making maple syrup and planting tomatoes from his own seeds! There were always too many plants, so he peddled them to family and friends. He always had a "Do I have a deal from you?" idea!

Richard had served in the Mediterranean and North Sea while he was in the Navy, so he always said that he did not need to go on a cruise because he had already done that. However, once he tried it, he found that cruises were fun - it helped to have that floating casino! He and Jeanne were fortunate to be able to travel with family and friends to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Holland, and England, as well as out west to the National Parks.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Elizabeth, his brother, Thomas, and two brother-in- laws, Herb Allen and Ralph Williams. He was also predeceased by his faithful cat and ride companion, Cody. Richard is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his sons, John Howard (Linda) and Michael (Kristin); as well as the next generation, the loves of his life, Sophie, Thomas, and Francesca; his sisters, Catherine Allen and Marjorie Williams; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Christensen (Arne) and Mary Crouthamel (James); and several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Relatives and friends may call from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will begin at 3pm with Rev. Ted Miller, Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, officiating. Cremation will follow on Monday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Local 21 Scholarship Fund, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 21, 1024 McKinley Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, PO Box 271, Salt Point, NY 12578. Condolences may be made to the family at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.