Anthony “Tony” George Stapke was a kind, generous and sincere man whose smile brought joy to all who knew him. He was born on October 19, 1916, in Chicago, Illinois. He went to heaven August 29. He was 102.
He married the love of his life, June, from Birmingham, England, in 1945, who passed in 1984.
Tony lived a full and wonderful life. They moved to the Palisades in 1954 after Tony served in WWII. He was employed by the IRS for 25 years in the tax payer service program until his retirement.
He loved telling stories of how he would help his father deliver “moonshine” and would ride the streetcar for 7 cents to make deliveries. He boasted that he learned to drive when he was just 11 years old.
He loved the Chicago White Sox and had the chance to see such greats as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Tony had a beautiful voice and would always tell a story of how the girls in grammar school dressed him up as an Indian Chief so he could sing the feature song, “Blue Moon,” for the school play.
Tony loved to bet on horse races, but never more than a $2 bet. He enjoyed golfing, going to the gym and attending church every Saturday night.
He simply loved living his life independently. He was very proud of the fact that he bought a new car at the age of 99 and signed a three-year lease. He adored his grandchildren, Christina and John. He is survived by his only child, Mark Stapke.
We want to thank the Anchor Retirement Home for their love and care for Tony these past several months and for the never-ending prayers and support from the wonderful group of friends, as well as Father Kidney from Corpus Christi Church.
A memorial mass will be held in Tony’s honor on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades. As requested by Tony, his ashes will be spread at sea.
You will forever be in our hearts, Tony. We will miss you.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
