Charles Edward Stackpole

Charlie Stackpole was bigger than life with an infectious smile to all who knew and loved him. He died at home on October 1, 2026 from natural causes, surrounded by so much love from his family. There were several special moments that he asked to pray the rosary, relying on his faith in God for peace and comfort. Doctors at the Veteran's Hospital took great care of him and honored his wishes to die at home with hospice care. It was a gift of time that allowed Charlie and family and friends to say how much they loved each other and to say goodbye until we meet again.

As a young man, he served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War era. An Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class (AD3) aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10) he proudly served beside sailors and aviators on the carrier's flight deck, supporting flight operations. To his dying day, he was a patriot who displayed his flag on holidays and loved the sound of the military bands and singing the Star Spangled Banner and watching movies like Saving Private Ryan and Battle of the Bulge.

Charlie was an outdoorsman who loved camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Camping was a family vacation favorite where he taught his girls how to fish and build a campfire with one match. His stories about his escapades with hunting and fishing buddies in northern New Mexico are enough to make you gasp and laugh and wonder how he made it to 94 years of age.

Volunteering was a part of his example to his daughters. He was always willing to be a parent volunteer with Girl Scout activities and transportation for camping trips or cutting Christmas Trees. If anyone needed help, he was always ready to lend a hand in whatever way he could.

Nobody was a stranger. He had a way of making you feel welcome and familiar even if it was the very first time that you'd met. He was the life of the party, wherever he was, with family or friends, potluck dinners, poker games, Chicago Rummy or Dominoes. It was the setting for some banter and fun. The most important part was spending time with people he loved.

His family includes his loving wife, Joan Mirabal Stackpole, of almost 33 years; his children Nina MacKellar and her husband Duncan; Valerie Vedda and her husband, Joe; Vanessa Stackpole; Fred Metzler; and Steve Metzler and his wife, Emily.

He was a proud grandfather to Maryssa Valderaz, Megan MacKellar, Joseph Vedda Jr. married to Keli, Dominic Vedda, Christopher Vedda married to Laura, Matthew Stackpole, Cameron Metzler married to Beth, Dillon Metzler married to Allison, Crosby and Ollie Metzler. He also leaves behind 19 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, all who will carry his love and memory forward.

He was preceded in death on March 22, 1988 by his first wife, Marie Dolores "Dee" Stackpole, the mother of his three daughters; and his mother, Benina Lewis on October 11, 1989.

A rosary and memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at French Funerals and Cremations, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 with burial to follow at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 2:00 PM. We invite you to share your thoughts and memories about Charlie. We are hoping to live stream the memorial at 9:30 am for those who cannot be physically present.