Alexander J. Stockmal

Alexander J. Stockmal, 77, of Freeport, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he lived the majority of his life in Connecticut, until he relocated to Pittsburgh. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen (Christ) Stockmal; loving father of Philip (Kristy) Stockmal, of Allison Park; brother of Chrisanne (Leigh) McAuliffe, of Houston, Texas, and the late Robert (Verna) Stockmal, of Hamilton, Ohio; and proud grandfather of Nicholas Stockmal, of Allison Park. After serving in the Marine Corps specializing in avionics, Alex obtained his degree in physics from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, he worked on many projects for companies contracted to the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and NASA, focusing on highly sensitive projects primarily dealing with optics and lasers. Alex was an avid amateur radio enthusiast. He belonged to many clubs, including SkyView Radio Society, Butler County Amateur Radio Association and was an active participant in the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Network. Alex thought of himself as a good "corporate citizen." He was very active in the Boy Scouts Community, as Scout Master for Bethel CT, Troop 54, and served on the board of directors for the Moraine Trails Council/BSA. He received many Scouting awards, including the Silver Beaver Award in 2005. He was a life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Laser and Electro-Optic Society, American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, board of directors of the Armstrong County Chamber of Commerce, Armstrong County Educational Trust, Armstrong County Manufacturing Consortium and Indiana University of PA/Kittanning Campus Electro-optics curriculum development committee. Family will welcome friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES LTD., 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Catherine of Sweden. (Please meet at church). Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Mt. Troy. Family suggests donations to the Boy Scouts of America or the American Cancer Society. Please offer condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.