Karl K. Stooks

Karl K. Stooks (82) went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 11, 2022.  Karl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend.  Born in Nanticoke, PA in 1939 to Stanley and Frances (Kaminsky) Stooks, he grew up in Buffalo, NY. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Navy and retired after serving his country for 20 years as a Chief Hospital Corpsman.  He then settled in Ithaca, NY to be closer to family and worked at the Tompkins County Hospital for 10 years and the Immaculate Conception Parish for 20 years.

Karl is survived by his wife of 48 years, Evelyn (Kline), sons Richard (Diane), Michael and Jay (Jillian), all of Ithaca, NY, and daughter Sara Dyer (Christopher) of San Diego, CA.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Desiree and siblings Mary, Stanley “Jerry,” and Felicia .  He was a loving grandfather to Jocelyn, Joel, Jacob, Maddie, Kaitlin, and Patrick and a great-grandfather to C.J. and Penelope.  He was also a caring brother-in-law to Bernard, Eldred, Linda, and Danny, as well as many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.  Of course, we can’t forget his faithful canine companion, Spike.

Karl was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, an avid reader, golfer, and gardener.  A devoted family man, he enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren’s interests and passions, from attending sporting events, art shows, dance recitals, and choir concerts.

During his long career in the Navy, he lived in Michigan, Georgia, Italy, Connecticut, and Virginia and served two tours in Vietnam as a Medic, caring for his fellow troops.  While he was stationed in Connecticut, he traveled to Ithaca periodically to perform physicals for enlistees.  It was on one of those trips that he met the love of his life, Evelyn, and they spent the next 50 years together.

Calling hours will be at Bangs Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 15th from 4 to 6 PM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, March 16th at 10 AM.