Gerald Joseph Stockelberg (Jerry), 83, of Scottsdale, AZ, former longtime Flemington, NJ resident, returned peacefully to the loving arms of The Lord on Saturday, February 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving and adored wife of 60 years, Barbara, and his two devoted children, Kendall Massi and Bradley Stockelberg. 

Born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, August 4, 1938, son of the late Charles and Helen Uveges Stockelberg, Jerry was raised between Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Three Bridges, NJ. Jerry spent the majority of his life in Hunterdon County, NJ, prior to retiring to Arizona while always maintaining his New Jersey roots. 

Jerry was a part of the first graduating class of the newly built Hunterdon Central High School in 1957. Jerry & Barbara met in 1959 through mutual friends. They married on June 25, 1961, at St. Magdalen Church in Flemington. After being married for six months, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army where he served two years at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, then was honorably discharged in 1963. 

He received several citations during his tenure in the armed services while working at the US Army Special Warfare Center, and anyone who knew Jerry will surely smile and can picture his cheeky grin and determination as the following was said of him in one citation: “His willingness to work on weekends and after normal duty hours with enthusiasm and dedication has been an inspiration to his associates. Specialist Stockelberg’s outstanding performance of duty has contributed immeasurably to the success of the missions of the US Army Special Warfare Center and the US Army Special Warfare School and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.” 

Upon returning to his hometown, Jerry gained employment as a Civil Construction Inspector with Van Clef Engineering, based in Belle Mead and Hillsborough, NJ, where he would enjoy over 40 years earning both the respect and appreciation of his clients and colleagues. 

Back in the day, Jerry and his father owned “Charlie’s & Jerry’s Mobil Service Station” on the corner of highway 202 and Voorhees Corner Road along with the red & black #202 stock car that raced around the area and particularly at the Flemington Speedway & Fairgrounds. Jerry and Barbara could be found at the racetrack every Saturday night. Jerry continued with his love of racing by being an avid NASCAR racing fan following his favorite driver of the #88 UPS car Dale Jarrett. Jerry also was very passionate for his favorite NFL football team, the Washington Redskins. Jerry spent his free time combing flea markets in search of old Elk’s memorabilia, which he had a very extensive collection. 

Knowing Jerry means understanding that he had a true gift of being able to relate to anyone and possessed a level of empathy which allowed him to connect with people on more than just a superficial level. He was both eloquent and charming, while at the same time humble and reserved. He lived life embodying the ideals of selfless and unconditional love, which he and his wife, Barbara, instilled in their children. 

Jerry and Barbara would share a fulfilling life of true love and adventure, with each day being more enjoyable than the previous one, and with the couple looking forward to living every moment of life together. They simply were the best of friends, and their love was, and will always be, a source of true inspiration to all who knew them. 

A Life Member and the 41st Exalted Ruler (1994-1995) of Flemington Elks Lodge #1928, Jerry truly believed in the mission of the order, as charity was a foundation of his spirit. He was honored as “Elk of the Year” in 1982. He was also the chairman of the Children’s Special Needs Committee, dedicating most of his Elk career towards helping children with special needs. One of his proudest duties as an Elk, was when he was able to install his son, Bradley as the 56th Exalted Ruler of the same Elks lodge. He would later become a member of the Phoenix Elks Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association after moving to Arizona. Jerry also would join the Scottsdale Ambassadors where he welcomed people from all over the world to ‘Old Town” and showed them all there was to do and see; it truly fit his outgoing and fun personality. 

Jerry & Barbara were overjoyed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 25, 2021, with their children and grandchildren at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Parish in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ. The ceremony was officiated by Father Greg, Pastor of the Church. 

Though his passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, Jerry would want all reading this to take heart that he will see you again, in the place which God promised to all who believe. Until then, he would want you to remember, as Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, “Love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” Simply love one another, and you honor Jerry. 

Surviving is his beloved wife, Barbara; his devoted children and their spouses who Jerry never considered as “in-laws”, but more of his own: Bradley and Lisa Stockelberg and Kendall and Dean Massi; his five adored grandchildren, Anthony Stockelberg, Jarrett Stockelberg, Talia Massi, Téa Massi, and Savannah Stockelberg; his sister-in-law, Virginia Winters; his Goddaughter, Pamela Crum; several extended family members; and many dear friends. 

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. 

Following the gathering at 11:30 a.m. there will be a Service presented by the Officers and Past Exalted Rulers of the Flemington Elk Lodge #1928, with a Life Celebration Service officiated by Certified Life Celebrant D.J. Wright, both taking place at the funeral home and to which all are welcome.

Following the services at the funeral home, everyone is invited to join the family in a procession to St. Magdalen Mausoleum, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ, where military honors will be rendered along with a concluding prayer. 

The family would like all present to join them for light refreshments and fellowship at a location that will be announced.

You are encouraged to visit Jerry’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor and memory may be made to either the New Jersey State Elks Special Children’s Committee, PO Box 1596, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, or to the Somerset Handicap Children’s Treatment Center, 377 Union Ave., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”