Chester D. Stocker

Chester “Chet” D. Stocker, 68, a life-long resident, community leader, and friend of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, May 28, 2005, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.Born June 16, 1936 in Dover, Ohio, he was the son of the late Chester D. and Mary K. (Bucher) Stocker.After graduating from New Philadelphia High School, Chet continued his educational career, graduating from Ohio University at Athens in 1958 with a degree in business. It came as no surprise to the community when Chet returned to New Philadelphia the day after college graduation to begin his professional career with Rea & Associates, Inc. He had the pleasure and great fortune to work alongside the late Richard C. Rea, the firm’s founder. Through dedication and hard work, Chet was named President of the firm and held that position from 1978 until he retired in 1998 after 40 years of service to the firm. The honors Chet received from fellow accountants is impressive. He was a Past-President of the Akron/Canton Chapter of C.P.A.’s, past Vice-President of the Ohio Society of C.P.A. Executive Committee and past board member, and a member of the National Council of the American Institute of C.P.A.’s. He was also decorated with the prestigious Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession in 1992. In addition to his numerous accolades he received within the accounting profession, he will long be remembered as a dedicated and loyal member of many local organizations. He served as President of the Board for the Tuscarawas County United Way, Junior Achievement, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce in 1972, the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) in 1974, and the Tuscarawas County Automobile Association (AAA). Chet also devoted his time to the First National Bank of Dennison and for Copeland Oaks/The Oaks Foundation, not only as a professional board of directors member, but also as a friend and mentor to the people with whom he interacted. Also, Chet touched many lives and helped better this community through his membership with the local Jaycees.The Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce recognized Chet’s devotion to this county by installing him in the Chamber’s Hall of Fame in 1995. Throughout his lifetime, Chet was supported by his family and friends, all who will deeply miss him. His wife, the former Marilyn E. Demuth, married Chet on August 3, 1957 in Richmond, Indiana. He will also be greatly missed by his family which includes his two sons, Steven C. (Ginny A.) Stocker of Dover, and James W. (Kathleen G.) Stocker of Cincinnati; his daughter, Susan S. (Douglas) Ward of Ascot, England; a brother, William R. Stocker of Homosassa, Florida; grandchildren, Kristen E. and David M. Stocker, both of Dover, James “Will” Jr., Thomas G., and Matthew G. Stocker, both of Cincinnati, and Alexandra E., Natalie C. and Jason S. Ward, all of Ascot, England; three nephews, William “Ric” R. and Russell “Rusty” C. Stocker, both of Homosassa, Florida, and Edward M. Karl of Dover; a niece, Jane E. Myers; and a brother-in-law, Edward F. Karl of Dover.The family will receive friends at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia on Thursday, June 2, 2005, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friends are also invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia with Rev. Michael Seely officiating. In keeping with Chet’s wishes, cremation will take place at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory.The family encourages memorial contributions in celebration of Chet’s life to be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, Inc., 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, OH 44622 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.Calvin Coolidge once said, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” In the weeks and months ahead, hold tight to the memories of Chet and the numerous ways he gave to this community and his profession.