Harry Curtis “Hammer/Hawk” Stackler
August 8, 1942 - September 8, 2021
Harry Curtis “Hammer/Hawk” Stackler, 79, of Baltimore, MD, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.
Born in Wilmington, DE on August 8, 1942, he was a son of the late Harry and Mary Stackler. Harry spent his formative years in Wilmington, graduating from Wilmington High School in 1960. Whether learning a new language, building a house, earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration, or exploring the world, he never passed up a chance for adventure while embracing the opportunity to learn new things.
Harry proudly served in the United States Navy for twenty-five years, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief (CTICS (SS)). He earned many medals and commendations during his naval career, which also included several tours during the Vietnam war. The knowledge and skills that he obtained in the Navy were invaluable, however, it was the Navy brotherhood and service that was enduring. His niece, also a Navy veteran, put it best, “His family had his heart, but his country had his soul”.
Harry continued to serve his country after his Naval retirement by making a twenty-year career with the United States Postal Service. He never forgot his Navy brothers during this time. Harry was the Commander of the VFW Post 7687 in Chesapeake City, MD, a member of the local Honor Guard, volunteer for the local VA, and lifelong member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion.
Harry and his wife, Cindy, attempted to retire to Florida in the early 2000’s. However, they knew that more adventure waited for them. During the winter months, Harry and Cindy worked together at Walt Disney World, which their grandchildren loved. Harry always enjoyed bringing the magic of Disney to others. In warmer months, they would travel across the country as part of the RV work/camper community. Wherever the adventure would lead them; Harry would create community with the people around him. His lifelong pursuit of adventure, connection, and learning led him to an understanding of his Creator and readiness for his eternal future.
In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Allen; and his granddaughter, Georgia Irene Stackler. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Cindy; devoted children, Maria Permenter (Warren) of Inman, SC, Roxann Anderson (Ray) of Baltimore, MD, and William Stackler (Amy) of Clinton, MS; nine adoring grandchildren, Kyasia, Caleb, Ashley, Kayla, Sam, Peyton, Lucy, Nati, and Habby; dearest siblings, Marie Sawyer (Phil) of Camden and Joseph Stackler (Patti) of Elkton, MD; brother-in-law, John Allen of Elkton, MD; dear cousin, Bobby Elwood (Colleen) of Elkton, MD; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who he considered family.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:30 am until 9:30 am, on Friday, September 24, 2021 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a Memorial Service will be held at 9:30 am. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will follow at 11 am at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Harry’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or online by clicking here.
Dinah Hoffmeister
One of the best! Harry will be forever missed by everyone who knew him. He was my best bro-in-law ever! Fly high Hammer 🔨
Howard Spaulding
Rest In Peace, Hammer. Thanks for the years of friendship and mentoring. You were truly one of the good guys. May God shine His comfort on Cindy and the rest of your family during this time. Until Valhalla!
Mike and Bonnie Luepkes
Hawk has been my friend since 1970 when we were stationed together at the Naval Communications Station, San Miguel,
Philippines.. Our Navy careers took different paths but we reconnected about 25 years ago. He was a unique and special
person whose infectious personality and zest for living made him friends wherever he went. He and Cindy saw the world through the Navy and the United States through their numerous travels in all directions. Hawk had more friends and acquaintances than anyone I ever knew… I was lucky, blessed and proud to call him friend and shipmate..
We are consoled that he is no longer struggling with medical challenges and is at peace. A huge loss for Cindy and family
and all who knew him… but we are lifted up by our memories of that Hawk smile, Hawk laugh and Hawk personality to
see us through the days to come. I miss you, brother. Rest well.
Mike and Bonnie Luepkes
Highland, MD
Bob Stauffer
A friend for over 60 years since we attended Russian Language School together in D.C. in 1960. He was a good man who I am missing already! FWFS my friend!
Don White CTIC(SS)
Да благословит тебя Бог, мой товарищ. I looked up to you, learned from you, and admired you from the time we met in Rota throughout. God bless you and your family forever.
Lori Kent
Mr. Harry may you Rest In Peace. You will be missed by many. I hope you know you were always like another father to me. Always had good talks and good times. Love to all the family
Harry "Curtis"Stackler
Shipmate, between the two of us we have 55 years of honorable Naval Service. The Stackler name has been well represented in the Navy and our communities. You stand relieved fair winds following seas in Heaven. God Bless
Patti Smythe
Joe ,Pat
Jayme and Megan .
Many prayers for a wonderful man. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
John and Sue Blaha
It was our pleasure to have known him! Thoughts and prayers to the family. Condolences from Ohio.
Sandra Ellis
I am so sorry for your loss. May our loving heavenly Father comfort you. In Christ Sandy Ellis
Robert Kindergan
I knew Harry in Istanbul Turkey when he came to our Detachment 12 for his assignment. He took over for me when I left a few months later. I remember him as a great guy with a very good sense of humor. Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP, Shipmate
Gary & Nancy Hague
Cindy, just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hammer was a special person and loved by all.
Gary & Nancy
Jill Sherfey
Loving memories to my brother in-law, uncle. He had a beautiful memorable character. Love you Harry.
Roberta Eiwood
So very sorry for your loss. Harry was a wonderful man, he will be greatly missed.
Victoria Felicciana Felicciana
My sympathys to the Stackler family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Harry when I came up for another engagement. Very sweet gentleman. Rest well and dance with the Lord.
Brian Bixler
Hawk was a dear friend of mine and will truly be missed. We first met as Navy shipmates in August 1968 after being assigned to several training schools in Washington, DC. and immediately afterwards in San Angelo, TX. Through that training and later hooking up being stationed in the Philippines, we shared many good times together. Through our years together both in and out of the Navy and although we went in different directions, we always stayed in touch and got together whenever we could. There was no time apart that we didn’t make up for when we got back together. Always laughing, always full of life, always caring for friends and family, that is the way I will remember him. RIP brother.