Mr. Reginald V. "Reggie" Stockton

UTICA – Mr. Reginald V. “Reggie” Stockton, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, after a lengthy illness. His passing occurred in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on May 2, 1944, Reginald was the son of the late William Stockton and Mildred (LaManque) Stockton-Sacher. He attended New York Mills Elementary School and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. At the age of 18, Reggie enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Wasp and USS America. Subsequently, he joined the US Navy Reserves where he was a cargo handler and proudly achieved the high rank of Chief Petty Officer. Reggie retired from the armed forces on January 12, 1992, after dedicating nearly 30 years of service to his country. As a civilian, he held employment as a machinist with the Bendix Corporation for 30 years prior to retirement. On January 27, 1968, Reggie married the former Blanche Orlowski. The two met at a young age and shared many years of love and dedication. Their union was blessed with family, humor, patience, love, and support. They would have celebrated 57 years of marriage just 20 days after Reggie’s passing. Reggie will be remembered as a friendly and fun-loving guy. He was very sociable and involved in with many personal and civic interests and belonged to many clubs, being most fond of his friends made through the “Flub Dub Club” and most proud of his affiliation with and the friendships made through the VFW Post #6001 in Yorkville, NY. Reggie possessed many talents and was a perfectionist in all he did. In his younger days, he enjoyed and excelled in bowling, winning many local tournaments. Being a lover of the outdoors, he also enjoyed downhill skiing, coaching local baseball, deer hunting, fishing, and family camping trips with his brother Kenny’s family. Drag racing and golfing, however, gave Reggie the most enjoyment. He was involved in both sports for the better course of his life, making great memories drag racing at the Utica/Rome Speedway and Lebanon Valley Speedway with his brother Pete and endless golf outings with his brother Bill or friends at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club. During his retirement, Reggie greatly enjoyed his weekly Saturday breakfast with “the guys” at Sherri’s Diner. Reggie is survived by his devoted wife, Blanche; daughters, Kimberly Desjardins and Cheri Vanetten; grandchildren, Coral Montana, Autumn and David Fasolino, Russell Desjardins, and Grace Vanetten; great-grandchildren, Madden and Luella Montana, Finnley, Kye, and Kayce Fasolino, and the anticipated March arrival of their baby sister; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Edward Rooney; and sister-in-law, Marylin “Beth” Stockton. Reggie fondly remembered his three older brothers who preceded him, William Stockton, Peter Stockton, and Kenneth “Butch” Stockton. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their families, with special mention of nephew Russell Orlowski, who was also Reggie’s godson and shared many happy memories with; and countless beloved friends and extended family, with special mention of Michael Montana and Gary Schultz, whom Reggie loved dearly and shared an especially close bond with. Reggie’s memory will always be with his in-laws, Benny W. and Dolores Orlowski, Marie and Terrance Rooney, and Gary Fischer (the late Ann Fischer). He was additionally predeceased by his parents-in-law, Benny and Sophiah (Van DeBogart) Orlowski. In keeping with Reggie’s wishes, there will be no public services.

Mr. Reginald V. "Reggie" Stockton

May 2, 1944 - January 7, 2025