Thomas E. Stalker

CLINTON CORNERS — Thomas E. Stalker, 64, a lifelong area resident, died suddenly on June 1, 2009, at home.

On July 4, 1994, in Clinton Corners, he married Annette White. She survives at home.

Born in Sharon on July 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Ernestine T. (Perotti) and Thomas E. Stalker Sr.

He was a 1963 graduate of F. D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, and also attended Dutchess Community College.

Tom was a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 201 for more than 35 years. He started as a steamfitter and held many positions within the union over his career, including business agent, organizer, vice president, member of the board of trustees and coordinator of the apprentice program. He retired as funds manager in March 2001.

Tom was a member of the former Hyde Park Elks Club, the Spring Hill, Fla., Elks Club, and American Legion Lafayette Post No. 37, Poughkeepsie. He was also a lifetime member of Roger’s Point Boat Club, Hyde Park, a member of the Mt. Carmel Sportsman’s Club, and a former member of the Italian Center in Poughkeepsie.  

A former town of Clinton councilman, he also served on the town of Clinton and Dutchess County Republican Committees, and was a former town of Clinton custodian of elections. He also served on the Dutchess County BOCES Advisory Board, and the Friends Upton Lake Cemetery board.

He enjoyed hunting, boating and going places in his RV.  

Tom was a former driver for Meals on Wheels of Hyde Park and was known for his generous spirit. He could often be found helping others.

He honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970, and received the National Defense Service Medal.

He was a member of the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two stepchildren, Christopher Smith and his wife, Renee Audette, of Poughkeepsie, and Tracy Farrell and her husband, Timothy, of Saugerties; five grandchildren, Robert Schirmer, and Timothy, William, Kenneth and Elizabeth Farrell; three sisters, Elizabeth A. Stalker of Orlando, Fla., Catherine S. Allen of Reno, Nev., and Marjorie E. Williams of Scranton, Pa.; a brother, Richard Stalker and wife, Jeanne, of Clinton Corners; three nephews, Lance Allen, John H. Stalker and Michael R. Stalker; two nieces, Christie Pells and Diana Pritchyk; and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral service was held June 5 at Sweet’s Funeral Home of Hyde Park, the Rev. Donald Hoger officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the family plot in Friends Upton Lake Cemetery, Clinton Corners. The American Legion conducted services during the visitation, on June 4.

Memorial donations may be made to the East Clinton Rescue Squad, PO Box 181, Clinton Corners, NY 12514, or the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

To send a condolence online, go to sweetsfuneralhome.com.

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