Stacey Carter

Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Stacey always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Stacey was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Stacey was born on June 11, 1949 at home in Lee County, Georgia. His parents were James and Helen Carter. Stacey was raised in Astoria, New York. Always able to express himself well, Stacey possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Stacey was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Stacey was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Stacey was raised with five siblings. He had two older siblings, William Franklin and Annie Laura, who pre-deceased him, four surviving siblings, Ellen Luretha Simmons, Marion Carter, Carolyn Carter, and brother, Kenneth Carter. Stacey had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Stacey showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Stacey enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. In his spare time he liked collecting model cars, trains, and baseball cards.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Stacey was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, now known as August Martin High School, in 1967. His favorite class in high school was Auto Mechanic.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Stacey. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his plumbers license and fireman's license.

Friends and acquaintances found Stacey an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Stacey was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, he had a host of friends.

On December 21, 1979, Stacey exchanged wedding vows with Carolyn Smith, who pre-deceased him on May, 27, 2009 at City Hall in Manhattan, New York. Stacey was attentive to Carolyn's feelings, and he charmed Carolyn and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Stacey was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Stacey identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Stacey was blessed with two children, two daughters, Leticia and Yvonne. They were also blessed with one grandchild, De Ja.

Stacey was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Stacey’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Stacey was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Stacey could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was as a plumber in the Structure Maintenance with the MTA. He was employed for more than 30 years.

Stacey enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were collections of model cars, trains, and baseball cards. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Stacey was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Stacey was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, boxing, basketball, and baseball.

Stacey was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Stacey worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Stacey was an active member of the Masonic Fidelity Lodge #61A.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Stacey truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included traveling to different locations in the U. S. and Carribean. He also enjoyed visiting various gambling casinos.

When Stacey’s retirement finally came in 2006, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed.

Stacey passed away on February 26, 2013 at Flushing Medical Hospital in Flushing, NY. He fought a brave battle against his illness. He is survived by his children, Leticia, Yvonne, grand-daughter, De Ja, three sisters, Ellen, Marion, Carolyn, brother, Kenneth, one surviving aunt, Ms. Anna Belle, loving girlfriend Ledora Stukes, host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and many cousins and relatives. Services were held at Thomas M. Quinn Funeral Home. Stacey 's wishes will be granted as cremation.

Stacey was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Stacey had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it.

Uncle Stacy always loved to be around his family. Uncle Stacy had a unique bond with all his family members and friends as well. Uncle Stacy was a person who would always make sure that he made every family function.

Rev. Levon Crawford will preside for prayer and healing. Soloist Brea Johnson will sing a selected hymn. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 2-5pm and 7-9pm.