LeRoy S. Stoothoff Jr.

Groton - LeRoy S. Stoothoff Jr., 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital of New London. Our Lord called him home following a brief illness.

Born in Staten Island, N.Y., Mr. Stoothoff was the son of LeRoy S. Stoothoff Sr. and Evelyn (Trimble) Stoothoff. A 1940 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Mr. Stoothoff was captain of the school's undefeated football teams of 1938 and 1939. Mr. Stoothoff was a member of Cornell University's Class of 1944 and a member of the football team. The events of World War II interrupted his Cornell education. Mr. Stoothoff enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a V-5 officer. His Navy training took him to UNC-Chapel Hill, Union College, and Vassar College. Following his training, Mr. Stoothoff became a Navy pilot squadron commander serving in search, rescue and reconnaissance.

Following the war, Mr. Stoothoff began a career with the New York Telephone Co. that would last 36 years, retiring in 1980. Starting as a linesman, Stoothoff steadily rose to leadership positions; district operations manager, plant chief, and district superintendent. He was a life member of the New York Telephone Pioneers. In 1980, Mr. Stoothoff became the vice president of Bacu Fuel Corporation, a family owned company in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Mr. Stoothoff was active in many civic, fraternal, and charitable organizations, including The American Legion, Free and Accepted Order of Masons (recipient of the distinguished Legion of Honor), Kingston Hospital board of directors, church council member of the First Lutheran Church of Poughkeepsie, Woodstock Investment Club, Kiwanis International and a member of Mariner/Marlin Association for PBM Pilots. He continued his support of Cornell University, and in September 2011, the Cornell football squad and coaching staff recognized his contributions to school and country as part of the team's preparation for their game at Yale. An avid golfer, Mr. Stoothoff was a 40 year member of the Woodstock Golf Club.

Roy Stoothoff is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie A. Beck, with whom he married on July 18, 1944. The couple was looking forward to their 70th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by three children, John L. Stoothoff (Debra) of Reston, Va., James S. Stoothoff (Linda) of West Hurley, N.Y., and daughter, Lynn M. Pinner (Edward) of Waterford. Roy is survived by five grandchildren, Erik J. Stoothoff (Nicole), Luke M. Stoothoff (Jin), Paige S. Wagner (Eric), Brandon L. Stoothoff (Audrey), and Courtney M. Pinner. Mr. Stoothoff had five great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Terje, Francesca, Carter, and Johan Stoothoff.

The family of LeRoy S. Stoothoff Jr. wishes to express their gratitude to so many professionals and staff members associated with Lawrence + Memorial Hospital of New London. The family seeks to single out Dr. Neer Zeevi, Joanne and Tricia of the ICU, and the fourth floor comfort care staff.

A funeral service and celebration of Mr. Stoothoff's life is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at the Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 70 Cross Roads, Waterford. He will be interred at Woodstock Cemetery, Woodstock, N.Y.

Funeral arrangements are provided by the Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, New London.

In lieu of flowers, the Stoothoff family would welcome donations to Crossroads Presbyterian Church or First Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.