Matthew D.R. Stopard

Matthew Domnick Rodvie Stopard of Lake Katrine, NY formerly of Kingston and Ellenville, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Ten Broeck Commons. He was 96 years old. Matthew was born on December 29, 1916 in Ontario, Canada; he was the son of Ernest and Prudence Elizabeth (Frost) Stopard.

Mr. Stopard was a very accomplished individual who lived a full life. As a boy he joined the Canadian Army where he held the title of middle weight boxing champ. At the age of 16 he left Canada and moved to New York City where he apprenticed at as a druggist and later at Buchanan in Kerhonkson.

He met his wife Virginia Burgher and they wed on March 7, 1936. They celebrated 71 years together before her passing in 2008.

Mr. Stopard worked as a tunnel construction engineer for the Delaware System prior to enlisting in the United States Army. He served during WWII and earned the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Following his discharge Matthew worked for various local businesses including Deyos Lumber, Shadowland and Norburry Theaters where he was a projectionist. He even managed his sons band Dimention Complex for several years. Mr. Stopard retired from Channel Master and although he enjoyed retirement he eventually went back to work for Tennenbaum Company as a delivery man.

Matthew was a founding member of the Ellenville First Aid and Rescue Squad as well as a member of the Ellenville 4^th of July Committee, the Shogum Shockers, the Commidors where he played the drums and was a Boy Scout Troop Leader. During his free time he enjoyed writing poetry and painting.

Mr. Stopard is survived by his son Richard M. and wife Ruby McCarthy-Stopard of Troy; a daughter Linda M. Stopard of Kingston, two grandchildren Matthew A. Stopard of Kingston and Angie Knowles and husband John Stensland of Accord and two great-grandchildren Angelina and Rhianna Stensland of Accord.

He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters.

A graveside service with ashes burial will be held on Sunday, January 13^th at 1:30 Pm at Pine Bush Cemetery, Kerhonkson.

Contributions may be made in Matthew’s name to the American Foundation for the Blind, 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 1102 New York, NY 10121.