John Peter "Pete" Stack

Pete was born September 29, 1933, in Hampton, the son of John and Helen Stack. He grew up on Hampton Roads Ave. and graduated from Hampton High School, the class of ’51. He was a member of the marching and concert bands, ran track and was proud to have played football for Coach Suey Eason. He attended the University of VA, Class of ’55. In 1954 he joined the U. S. Marine Corps and was stationed at “29 Palms,” CA.

After the Marine Corps, Pete went to work at the NACA at Langley Field (now NASA Langley Research Center) in Hampton. He had a very productive career covering nearly 40 years and retired in 1994. He developed complex instruments for both aircraft and space system measurements (some of which he held patents for) and made significant contributions to the understanding of aerodynamics in wind tunnels and flight vehicles using advanced flow diagnostics.

In 1958 he married Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson and they had three daughters: Margaret, Ann and Liz. He was an expert horseman and mentor and shared those talents with his daughters. Many friends and neighbors called Pete’s horse barn their own. Pete was an active member of the James River Hunt for many years and as president and member made many life long friends. Pete also loved UVA football games, downhill snow skiing, jogging, biking, and boating. In his retirement years he became a familiar sight on Marlbank Farms in York County riding his three-wheeled red recumbent bike or his John Deere tractor mowing the median strip on Wormley Creek Drive. He also always enjoyed going to the Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center not only to exercise, but to see friends.

Those who knew Pete know many stories of his love of life, family and friends, and pride in his Irish heritage. He lived life to the fullest and whatever he aspired to do in his lifetime, he did with fervor and passion which was both inspiring and contagious, and almost always fun.

The family thanks Dr. R. Rives Bailey, Dr. Ann Marie Campolattaro and everyone at TPMG-Yorktown, Home Instead Senior Care, and our many friends for their care and support.

He was predeceased by his parents, John (1972) and Helen (1982) Stack and his wife Betty (1968).

He is survived by his wife Sharon Haythorne Stack whom he married in 1971, daughters Margaret Ferrell and husband John, Ann Harrison and husband Bill, and Liz Stack and husband Johnny Belcher, all of Richmond; grandchildren Leigh and Peter Bartenstein and John and Sophie Belcher; sister Martha Sim and husband John of Yorktown, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to gather from 4 to 7:00 PM Thursday, March 17, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home to share memories. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at Grace Episcopal Church in the village of Yorktown followed by interment at the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 111 Church St., Yorktown, VA 23690; or to your favorite charity.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family and to view a photo album.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton.