Everyone loved and misses Uncle Dick very much.  He was my dad's hero for sure and was a great big brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle.  We always loved hanging out with Uncle Dick and the Southern Stacks.  

One of my favorite stories that my dad has told me about uncle Dick I think summarizes his competitive spirit the best. When he would be playing a game of Shanghai which is a card game with seven rounds and he would find himself winning heading into the last round, it was not uncommon for Uncle Dick to discard his jokers.  The jokers are the most valuable card to have in your hand but also the worst card to be stuck with because it would give you the most penalty points if it remained in your hand in the end of the game.  As long as Shanghai has existed this practice has been unheard of but not for Uncle Dick as this would guarantee him the victory while simultaneously driving his opponents crazy!   A classic win-win.  

That's the kind of competitiveness that helped to get him inducted in the Hall Of Fame at TSU and create a great story at the same time.  That always brought a smile to my face every time my dad would tell it.

He will be missed greatly by our entire family.

My big brother, my Hero.  
Growing up, I always looked up to him. Always first string in every sport he tried. Just going out Red Shield Boys Club would take well over an hour since we always made up some game on the way even if it was only taking off our hats, rolling them up, and playing catch. Walking home from the club with the Pakulskis, the Gavenas, and George Schaffer, we would stop and rap on the baker's basement window to buy fifteen-cent warm eclairs in the dead of winter--what a real treat!
Mert Gavenas and I never felt like the younger brothers. We always looked up to our big brothers. To me, Dick was always someone that I tried to emulate. We really never had too many fights. I guess I was a little smarter than I thought! We always tried to get our mom's doughnuts and would lick the ones with the most chocolate on them.  
I  also remember the time he came home with his Poly football uniform, #14. I couldn't stop looking at it. My brother, Dick, is in the Athletic Hall of Fame at Towson University, but I believe it's more important that he is in my Hall of Fame for brothers. I had real problems seeing my big brother the way he was towards the end, but I guess that's just life. I will always remember him in that #14 jersey--my friend, my pal, my brother. I love you, Dick Stack.

Larger Than Life. These are the words that come to mind when I think of my Uncle Dick. When he was in a room, his presence was always obvious.  He had a razor sharp wit and an amazing sense sense of humor. He was well read and a great conversationalist. He had that unique talent of making one feel good about themselves and important. He was always interested in our thoughts and what was happening in our lives.   

Being with him and his family was always an adventure. He adored and lived for his wife and his girls... yet.. would have have zero problem making anyone of them, or us, be the center of the joke that night.  A night at the Stack house was like attending a celebrity roast but not knowing who was being roasted. Always fun. I'll miss you Uncle Dick. You were one of a kind. I'm a better person for knowing you.

Thanks for letting me know I was loved everyday of my life!! You gave me the gift of laughter and more importantly the ability to laugh at myself!! You will be missed forever!!! I Love You Daddy!!

I am so sorry I can't be with you at the memorial service, but was so glad I got to be there with you all last week. I love the photo album of your dad and family. I know how much you will miss him. My prayers are with you. Love, Mikki

Heather, Kara,
I was saddened to read about your dad.  You girls have taken great care of both Dick and Emily. I hope this day is one of celebration for your dad's life and all that he meant to you. You have been blessed with wonderful parents and their memory will continue to bless you and your children forever. Give your mother a hug from me.
Love,
Brenda Ivanoff

Heather, Kara, Emily & family:  We were so saddened by this news.  We loved Dick & have so many wonderful memories of him!  Such a great neighbor of 14-15 years. Loved his jokes, his laugh & funny sarcasm. Talking politics, banking & sports with him was never a dull moment.  Such a smart man! I could sit and talk to him for hours.  Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you all!

Your father's athletic, business and educational achievements are something to be very proud of and will provide you with many wonderful memories in the days to come.  He will be missed by many.  

Jim and Kathy Banks

I was sorry to read about Dick in today's paper.  I am so sorry for your loss but hope you can rest in the good memories and find peace.  Warmest regards and love to Emily, Heather and Kara.  You are part of my fond memories.
Rachel Harkey

Kara and Heather, so sorry to read of your dads passing.  I will keep you in my prayers, I know you both did everything possible to made your parents last few years brighter.

On certain days you can remember a smell or a sound that can spark your memory, an ember to light a candle to the past. My recollection of Richard (Dick) is one of youthful vigor. At times he seemed larger than life. He stood as an example of something, as youngsters we really didn't understand what, but we wanted to be like him. My memory makes up a short part of Dick's life. He became a husband, a father, and a grandfather in his lifetime. This is a gift. 
Life is a journey and dying is only one small part of it. This immense journey moves forward and we are bound to it. When we stop, nothing changes. Dick will always continue. His legs are strong; his heart beats powerfully, the game continues as he chases a dream on the Elysian Fields. He still laughs and imagines a better tomorrow. As long as life exists, Dick will be forever young. Celebrate him. He deserves it. He is now part of the stars. 
My deepest sympathy is expressed to his family,

It is heartbreaking to say our last goodbye to a wonderful husband, father, and friend, but his love is everlasting. CHERISE THE MEMORIES.

MAY YOU FIND COMFORT TO KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY CAN FIND UNDERSERVED KINDNESS AND PEACE FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND LORD JESUS CHRIST

Mr Stack,

I graduated the classic of '75 Overlea,
in that era of great scoccer locally all over(i'm all over the color pages on the '75 yearbook in the soccer field).
In '73 we won states, and I remember you, somewhere in that '73 time I think we had to go thru Poly,
I sorta swear you were there, but somewhere in that era- ni remember you and I feel proud of the moment.
Like DioneWarwick,,, ',...I'll say a little prayer for youuu..!

OBITUARY

Joseph Richard Stack

July 6, 1938 – October 28, 2013

Apex Funeral Home

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