Donald N. Stocker, 93, of Center Valley, died at his home on June 14, 2012. Born February 15, 1919 in Allentown, he was the son of the late Albert and Emma (Feirich) Stocker, the last of his parents' 14 children. Donald was a graduate of William Allen High School, Class of 1937. During WW II, Donald served with distinction as a technical sergeant in the 131st Anti-Aircraft Battalion of the 9th Army and saw combat in the ETO from August 1944 until May 1945. As a result of his service, Donald was the recipient of several medals, including a Bronze Star with a "V" for valor. After his demobilization, Donald was employed at the PPL Company, where he worked for the next 38 years, almost entirely as the manager of the company's industrial development department. After his retirement, Donald and his wife Louise, who celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past May 26, engaged in extensive community volunteer activity, such as Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and administrative work for several churches and other non-profit groups. Donald was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church-Limeport, Coopersburg. Donald loved to laugh (he had a great sense of humor), enjoyed reading, traveling, music (he loved to sing, especially during the holidays), eating out, particularly at the Copperhead on Tuesday nights, playing double solitaire with Louise while drinking a beer or two, touring Civil War battlefields and most especially, spending time with his beloved family, of whom he was very proud.
Survivors: Wife Louise, son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Marliese of Center Valley, daughter Susan Phillips and son-in-law Joseph Phillips, precious granddaughters Samantha Phillips and Laura Phillips, all of Coopersburg, sister Charlotte Dell of Allentown and many nephews and nieces. Donald will be greatly missed by his entire extended family, as well as all those who were lucky enough to call him "friend." To paraphrase one of his favorite sayings, "How fortunate we were, Dad, to have had you!"
Services: Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 5050 St. Joseph's Rd., Coopersburg, PA 18036. Viewing: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Monday, June 18, 2012 at the Norcross-Weber Funeral Home, 101-B N. Main St., Coopersburg, PA 18036.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust-13 acre Jackson Flank Attack Land Purchase, P.O. Box 3417, Fredericksburg, VA 22402 and or the Forgotten Felines and Fidos, 6022 Mountain Road, Germansville, PA 18053