David D. Stahl

David “Dave” Stahl, 97, of Deer Park, born August 22, 1928, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, after a long, full, and remarkable life. Born in Minnesota, Dave was one of twelve children of Mary and Edmund Stahl, growing up on the family farm where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and resourcefulness. Those early lessons shaped every chapter of his life.

During the Korean War, Dave proudly served in the United States Navy, on the USS Palau, CVE 122, carrying with him a deep sense of duty and honor. After returning home, he continued his commitment to service by joining the New York City Police Department, rising to the rank of Sergeant and ending his service with Motorcycle Precinct #2 which subsequently became Highway Patrol #2. His years with the NYPD were marked by integrity, steadiness, and a quiet strength that earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of the city he protected.

Dave met the love of his life, Bette, on roller skates — a moment that began 75 years of rolling through life together through good times and bad times. Their marriage was a testament to devotion, partnership, and joy. With great friends by their side, they traveled the country on long motorcycle trips, crossing the United States and collecting stories that became treasured family memories.

A devoted Yankees fan and enthusiastic NASCAR follower, Dave found joy in cheering for his teams, his driver Jeff Gordon, and in road trips to races with his daughter Laura to meet up with son Dave and “daughter” Cyndi and getting son Steve and his family even “daughter” Sue, grandson Tim and granddaughter Shannon to the race in Dover a few times, and staying connected to the things he loved. The road trips to races often involved meeting up with friends who became part of the family.

Dave was involved with local sports too as an umpire for Little League Baseball and Girls Softball. He used to love to scare everyone with his strike call and was almost mute with the call for a ball!

He served faithfully as an Usher at Saints Cyril & Methodius, supporting his church family until he no longer could well into his 90s. Known for his generosity of spirit, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his remarkable ability to fix anything, Dave was a friend to all and cherished by everyone who knew him and he cherished all.

Despite building a life far from Minnesota, Dave never lost his connection to his roots. He loved returning “home” to visit family, fish, hunt, kick tires and tell stories and to the farm to help with the harvest, getting back on the tractor, and talking farming for hours with his “baby brother” Fran. Listening to the two of them discuss equipment, crops, and the old days was a joy — a reminder of how much Dave remembered, how he could do it all, and how deeply those early years shaped him.

He lived a life of faith and sincerity. He never sat still. When home, you would typically find him in his very organized garage along with his extensive baseball cap collection, maybe sitting occasionally on his old milk crate having an adult beverage. He was a constant source of guidance to neighbors, friends and family. His favorite sayings…”Keep the faith”, “Hang loose”, “See you in the am…good Lord willing and the crick don’t rise” and “Be safe” and for dear neighbors who were more like family, friends and family he would end with “Love you”.

Dave was predeceased by his beloved son Dave, and by siblings Trudy, Mark, Buck, Bonnie, and Mary.

He is survived by his devoted wife Bette; his son Stephen and wife Sue Stahl; his daughter in law Cyndi Stahl; and his daughter Laura Stahl. He leaves behind grandchildren David (Sarah), John (Jenn), Bryan, Daniel (Stacy), Chris (Annie), Tim, Shannon (Hunter) and great grandchildren Meadow, Hampton, Hannah, Adam, and Scarlet.

Dave is also survived by siblings John (Kathryn), Fran (Barb), Anne, Joan, Peggy, Trisha and his “sisters” Carol and Karen (Sam), along with many, many nieces and nephews who adored him.

A life defined by service, loyalty, love, and generosity — Dave’s legacy will live on in the countless people he touched and the family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Visitation will be held at Claude R. Boyd/Caratozzolo Funeral Home, 11729, on August 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, 125 Half Hollow Rd, Deer Park, NY 11729, on August 3, 2026, from 10:15 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd, Calverton, NY 11933, US, on August 3, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory to the following :

The National Navy Memorial

https://www.navymemorial.org/general-donation

Wounded Warrior Project

https://legacy.woundedwarriorproject.org

Tunnels to Towers

https://t2t.org/donate