Deacon Fred Stockmaster, 62, of Plymouth, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Willard.
Fred was born July 6, 1954 in Shelby, the son of the late Clarence F. and Mary C. (Schell) Stockmaster. He was a 1972 graduate of Shelby High School and Pioneer Joint Vocational School. Fred received a Bachelor’s Degree in computer information technology from Strayer University and was nearing completion of a Master’s Degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University in New Orleans.
He was ordained in September of 2013 as a permanent deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo and currently served as Pastoral Associate at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Plymouth and as Deacon at both St. Joseph and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. Prior to that, Fred and his wife, Sherry, were the former owners of Stocky’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop in Mansfield.
Fred was an active member of the Plymouth-Shiloh Ecumenical Council where he sat on the Board of Directors. He also served on the council for the Upstairs Store in Plymouth, the board of the Salvation Army in Plymouth, the Pastoral Care Department of both OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and Willard Mercy Hospital, and was a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus. He was also instrumental in starting the Second Responders Trauma Team Program in both Shelby and Plymouth.
An avid cook, Fred created many delicious meals and enjoyed traveling. A self-taught pianist, Fred loved music, especially, Christmas music which he began playing most years in July. He was also a huge Star Wars fan.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry (Cline) Stockmaster, whom he wed on May 26, 1984; two brothers: Michael Stockmaster (Evelyn Kubitz), of Shelby and Mark (Meg) Stockmaster, of Mansfield; a sister: Theresa Stockmaster (Bruce Hunter), of Bellville; a brother-in-law: Darren (Pam) Cline, of Florida; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Kenneth and Cora Cline and by a nephew, Michael F. “Hank” Stockmaster.
Friends and family are welcome on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 117 Sandusky Street, Plymouth, Ohio where Deacon Fred will lie in state from 3 to 7 p.m.. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 from 10 a.m. to noon at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875 where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon.
The Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of The Diocese of Toledo in America will officiate along with priests and fellow deacons in the diocese. Burial will follow in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Shelby.
Memorial expressions may be made to either church. Care for Fred and his family is being provided by Bob, Catherine and Jake at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby. To leave a condolence or to share a memory with the Stockmaster family, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomeshelby.com.
