Sam was born on September 16, 1921 in Meridale, New York, the son of the late George and Rose (Mondone) Stockin. On November 15, 1942 he married his high school sweetheart, Frances M. Bender, at the Treadwell United Methodist Church in Treadwell. They celebrated 52 years of marriage until Frances’ passing in 1995.
He was involved in farming for most of his life, owning and operating 2 dairy farms during his time. Sam had a deep love for horses, having many on his farms over the years. His favorite was a big American Albino show stallion that he raised from a colt, which he would ride in Memorial Day parades in Oneonta while carrying the American flag. He also was very proud of and well known for his blue 1976 Ford pick-up truck that he rebuilt himself. After retiring from farming, he drove school buses for the Laurens Central School district for 20 years until he was 82 years old.
He was a member of the Laurens Presbyterian Church.
Sam was a very kind and generous man who would always lend a hand to someone in need. He enjoyed entertaining company at his home and always looked forward to having visitors when he moved into the nursing home. He also loved watching the birds come to the feeder outside his window at the nursing home.
He will be remembered most of all by his family as a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Sam is survived by his daughter, Raneé (Bob) Stockin-Moss of Laurens; his sons, Ronald H. Stockin of Lander, Wyoming, and Michael C. Stockin of Morris; his four grandchildren, Seth (Cassie) Whittaker of Delhi, Adam (Christine) Stockin of Candia, New Hampshire, Tamara Stockin of Golden, Colorado, and Jarred Stockin of Morris; his five great-grandchildren, Kylie and Klara Whittaker of Delhi, Aidan and Camden Stockin of New Hampshire, and Bentley Stockin of Morris; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, and his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Stockin.
Friends and family may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta at which time his family will be receiving guests. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1pm at the funeral home, with Judith A. Gage, CRE, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Sam’s memory to the Laurens Presbyterian Church, 3 Main Street, Laurens, NY 13796.
Sam’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at the Chestnut Park Nursing and Rehab Center for the kind and compassionate care he received and the friendships he had while he was there.
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