Obituary of Paul Everett Stappenbeck

     Mr. Paul Everett Stappenbeck, 78, of Deerfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at his home.

     Paul was born in Utica, on March 6,1945, the son of Ralph and Margaret (Everett) Stappenbeck.  He was raised and educated in New Hartford and was a graduate of New Hartford High School, where he was a standout basketball player, and at one time, held the school record as the single game scorer, single season scorer and single season rebounder.  Paul continued his education, earning his bachelors degree from St. Bonaventure University.  On October 4, 1969, Paul was united in marriage with Gail Ward, a loving and devoted union of 36 years, until Gail sudden passing on October 5, 2005.  For many years, until his retirement, Paul was employed with the New York State Department of Labor. In 1998, Paul was honored with his induction in the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame. He played semi-pro basketball with the Utica Wreckers, was a member of Knights of Columbus council 189 in Utica and its fourth-degree assembly, and a member of the O’Kara Lakes Association. He was also a member of the Newport Golf League, enjoyed playing golf with his family at the Shamrock Golf and Country Club and found much joy and relaxation tending to his vegetable garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in N. Utica.

     Mr. Stappenbeck is survived by his four children, Mark (Amy) Stappenbeck, John (Denise) Stappenbeck, Heidi (David) Plumb and Kristin (Greg Garrett) Wilcox; six cherished grandchildren, Shannon Stappenbeck, Michael Stappenbeck, David Plumb, Jr. Austin Plumb, Abbey Stappenbeck and Elaina Stappenbeck; one brother, Eric (Susan) Stappenbeck; three sisters, Carol Stappenbeck, Ellen Stappenbeck and Marie (John) VanAtta; a sister-in-law, Judy Stappenbeck as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, David Stappenbeck.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Paul’s memorial Mass of Christian burial on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave., N. Utica.  The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Memorial Mass.  He will be laid to rest with his beloved Gail in St. Peter’s Cemetery, later in the spring.