WOODBURY — Charles “Chick” Stockwell, 85, died Monday, July 29, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family and caretakers, Robert Stockwell, Cheryl O’Bar, Thomas Stockwell, Valerie Galvin, Clyde O’Bar Sr. and Darryl Franklin.
Mr. Stockwell was born in Woodbury, the son of the late Charles Stockwell Sr. and Margaret Stockwell. He was a lifelong resident of Woodbury, and he served with the United States Army. His love for stockcar racing began in 1949. He raced many tracks, but was most famous for his number “151” at the Danbury Race arena. He retired from racing in 1981, when the track closed down. He went into farming, raising cows, some of which he had pet names for.
“Chick,” who didn’t like attention, was a quiet man. But he had an open door policy to whoever wanted to come see him on the “hill.” No invitation needed. He was known for his Friday night gatherings and many humorous stories.
He is survived by his children, Donna Lindberg and her partner, Ray Oulette, of Woodbury, Charles Stockwell III and his wife, Peggy, of Watertown, Robert Stockwell and his partner, Jean O’Grady, of Woodbury, Nancy Freeman and her husband, Tom, of Watertown, and Cheryl O’Bar and her husband, Clyde Sr., Thomas Stockwell and his wife, Diane, and Valerie Galvin and her husband, Willy, all of Woodbury. He was predeceased by a son, Gary Stockwell. He leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren behind.
Funeral and burial services will be held privately in New North Cemetery, Woodbury. The Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St., is in charge of arrangements. To send an online condolence, visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the New England Antique Racing Association, P.O. Box 172, Milldale, CT 06467.
From: The Waterbury Republican-American
