Frank C. Stamski

Retired long-time Washingtonville Central School District (NY) science teacher and volunteer fireman (Goshen NY), Frank Stamski, passed away on Wednesday, March 20th at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina in the company of his loving wife, Barbara, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Frank is predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Frank Stamski Sr. Survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara, his two children Amy (James) Wapshare and Frank (Laura) Stamski III, step children Elizabeth (James) Kotronis and Tom Grecco. Grandfather “Poppy” to 11 grandchildren: Kyle (Jen), Lauren, Alec, Emma, Ryan, Sean, Tyler, Logan, Olivia, Ava, and Avery, and one great grandchild, Alessia. Also survived by his brother, Bruce Stamski, sister, Sylvia (James) Coleman, and several nieces and nephews.

Frank was a resident of Goshen, New York for over two decades (late 60’s and 80’s) until moving to nearby Bloomingburg, NY where he lived with his wife, Barbara, for 24 years before they relocated to Murrells Inlet in South Carolina for the past 10 years.

Frank grew up in Warwick, New York the son of a railroad man and working mother. It was in his hometown where he learned the core value of hard work. At an early age he and his life-long friend, Rich Horton, would shovel driveways, deliver newspapers, and work in local onion fields to earn money. At the same time Frank began his dedication to the service of others while serving as an altar server for the church and as a boy scout alongside his younger brother Bruce. Hard work and service to the community would be a theme throughout Frank’s life.

In high school Frank distinguished himself as an athlete in both baseball and football. In 1961, his junior year, he was named to the All County Team for football for his outstanding play at the guard position for Warwick High School. In 1962, his senior year, he earned another distinction, nicest smile.

Frank attended college at The State University of New York at Buffalo and finished his teaching degree at The State University of New York at Albany in 1966. Frank then began his teaching career at Washingtonville High School where he taught science for 33 years retiring in 1999 at the age of 55. During his teaching career he achieved the position of District Science Coordinator and in 1998 the Science Teachers Association of New York (South Eastern Section) awarded Frank with The Edison/Tesla Award for Outstanding Science Teacher. Frank loved teaching science. Even outside of the classroom whenever possible he would take time to explain to his kids and grandchildren the reasons for certain chemical reactions along with bits of knowledge on any number of topics related to chemistry, biology, and earth science. If any of his grandchildren had a question about science they knew to call Poppy.

Frank also had a love for sports. During his time at Washingtonville High School he served for several years as varsity baseball coach and as an assistant football coach. He loved teaching young people proper athletic form and technique. After coaching high school he continued to have a positive impact on youth as a little league coach for his son Frank’s teams in the Goshen Youth League and as a scout leader and Boy Scout Commissioner for Pack 65 in Goshen.

While teaching and coaching through the years Frank continued his dedication to his community as a very dedicated member of the Goshen Dikeman Hose Company No. 3 achieving the ranks of Secretary, 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, and Captain. In 1979 he was presented with the honor of Dikeman of The Year. He would ultimately be granted the distinguished rank of Past Captain.

No matter what role Frank took on he was always organized, dedicated, a hard worker, and determined to do things right. Every organization he belonged to was better for having Frank involved.

At home Frank was a tinkerer who loved to fix things while trying to discover how things worked. For fun he was an avid golfer and hunter. He and Barbara were also great supporters of their grandchildren during their athletic games. The couple also traveled to many destinations across the globe over the years sharing stories of riding camels, eating exotic foods, dancing on cruise ships, and seeing incredible sites. He loved to have a good time with their many friends. He was always the life of the party often dressing the part. Whether he was wearing a kilt for their annual Saint Patrick’s Day party or donning a Spiderman costume at his grandson’s birthday celebration, he gave his friends and family lasting memories.

Now that his lifetime of hard work, service, dedication, fun, and friendship has come to an end Frank will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Church located at 542 Cypress Avenue in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina after a 1pm service on April 27th.

Arrangements are being handled by Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, (843.651.1440)

Rest in Peace.