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Gene Wallace Stockman made his transition peacefully on April 4th, 2024. Gene was born August 19th, 1936, to Wallace and Esther Stockman in Williston, North Dakota. Gene was the second of four boys; Howard, Gene, James (Jimmy), and Jerald (Jerry), who remained close their entire lives. Growing up, Gene was an Eagle Scout, active in his high school football team and choir (including barbershop quartets with his three brothers which continued throughout his life). Upon attending North Dakota State University, he was the President of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Gene graduated from North Dakota State University in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, then got drafted by the Army for a couple of years which brought him out to Washington DC to work in the Army’s map division. He decided that he would prefer to use his engineering skills in a more people-centered way, so decided to pursue law school to become a Patent Attorney. He worked at the Patent Office during the day, while attending law school at George Washington University at night. He practiced as a Patent Attorney until his retirement in 2012.
A lifelong football fan, Gene acquired season tickets to the Washington Redskins in the early 1960’s, which he kept for close to 40 years. He remained a dedicated sports fan all of his life, from football, to baseball, to basketball.
Gene married Barbara Gorra in 1966 (m. 1966-1978). They settled in Arlington, Virginia and soon welcomed daughter Margo in 1971 and son Marc in 1973. Gene later remarried Claryse “Nikki” Quintero in 1981. They remained married 33 years until her 2014 passing.
Gene and Nikki loved to entertain at their home in Arlington, always having an interesting mix of friends and neighbors at their dinner table, representing diverse sets of perspectives. They became legendary for their annual Christmas parties, with Nikki cooking up an incredible feast and Gene acting as the consummate host, greeting guests at the front door and making sure everyone got a chance to meet each other. Gene and Nikki also were ‘dog parents’ for over 15 years to “Matisse” a Yorkie, who Gene used to take for walks a few times every day. Through this he met and became friends with many of his neighbors, being known as the informal “Mayor of 23rd Street”.
After living in the same house in Arlington for over 30 years, Gene moved to Naples, Florida in 2013, home of Nikki’s son Phillip and family. He loved the warm sun and great weather in Florida, and quickly made quite a number of friends, while also finding time to be the President of his HOA for a few years. His family and friends enjoyed visiting him often.
Gene is preceded in death by his wife Nikki, as well as siblings James (Jim) and Howard. He is survived by brother Jerry, daughter Margo Gorra-Stockman (husband George Roman), son Marc Stockman (wife Jill Stockman), stepsons Phillip McClellan (wife Janet), and Andrew McClellan (wife Alicia); as well as grandchildren Cole Stockman, Chase Stockman, Jennifer Barrett, Joshua McClellan, and Jordan McClellan; and four great-grandchildren.
Celebration Of Life Service
Saturday May 4th, 2024
2:00pm Eastern Time
Gene’s family invites you to view the celebration of life to honor his life and legacy. The service took place at Avalon Grace Church, 3801 Guilford Rd, Naples, FL.
I first met Gene in late 1974 at an Australian Embassy “prayers” function in Washington. “Prayers” is a weekly social ritual for embassy staff and invited guests. The guests would typically include US Government officials, foreign military representatives, business contacts and other invited guests. Gene had been invited by Charles O’Hanlon, an Australian based trade representative. Evidently, Charles and Gene both had sons at an area Montessori school and hence the connection.
One of my early memories of Gene is that he always seemed to have a smile and being blessed with very easy outgoing personality. He had the ability to make one feel at ease, even if you had just met him.
I would attribute Gene’s outgoing personality to his North Dakota roots. He was very proud of being from that state.
Gene will be sorely missed by his family and numerous friends in Washington, DC, as well as in Florida.
Sorry sorry but I got cut off on my first attempt. I introduced him To his first wife, Bobby. shortly after that I was sent to asia and did not return to Washington until 1965 when we renewed our friendship and have either visited each other or stayed in touch by phone until shortly before he crossed the river. He always had a smile on his face and I remember him then as I remember him now as a man with a bright inquiring mind, possessed of courage facing adversity and eager to listen to you and help in any way he could. At the close of our many telephone conversations, I often suggest to him that we write A national intelligence summary and submit it to the NSC for review. I shall miss him terribly.
Gene Stockman was best friends with my husband CB when we married in 1986. Gene and Nikki became my best friends too for many years until CB passed away in 2012. The 4 of us had dinner together every week unless we were on vacation and never ran out of things to talk about. I loved Margo and Mark referring to Gene‘s stories, CB used to laugh When Gene was about to tell a story and say “ Here comes a Gene joke”. Gene, Nikki and CB are all gone, but I’ll always cherish those memories of the times we had. And I know we will have them again in heaven someday.
Thank you Gene for wonderful times, shared knowledge and spontaneous laughter.
Who could ask for anything more?
I always knew him as Uncle Gene because of the love and friendship that was shared between he and my father, CB Matusiak. If you spent time with these guys you knew that they were trouble, but always in a fun and kind way. I have the fondest memories of our families spending time together, and with Marc, Margo and my 3 sisters, we were quite often getting into something or another. And oh, the parties really were legendary! Gene was always the friend who was there for my parents (and vice-versa) and I knew that if I ever needed anything, he would be there for me, too. I’m so glad that he got to enjoy his family so much throughout the years. Love and hugs to all of you.
When I was a senior in college, Gene & Nikki invited me to stay with them for 3 weeks before I started my internship in DC. This was a big deal, coming from Washington State. During my semester in DC, they showed me around the whole region, took me to their favorite spots and historical sites, introduced me to friends, and gave me advice on everything from how to safely navigate around DC on foot and on metro, how to host a good party, and building a professional network. They brought me along on road trips, including visiting Margo at University of Virginia, and shared many, many stories. Uncle Gene’s words of wisdom stick with me to this day. Some of these include:
– keep pursuing your education
– stop saying “you know” and “like”
– set bold goals and persist until you reach them
– venture out and live it up
– make good friends
– be generous
– have fun and celebrate
I’m grateful for the conversations and laughter with Gene during a dozen visits to DC/VA (and FL), as well as Stockman family reunions. He is smiling right now, seeing us come together to celebrate his amazing life.
I remember when Gene first came to Discovery Village and told me he often visited Sweetwater’s Restaurant and knew my Daughter Megan. Megan always describes Gene as the lovely man who organized fun celebrations for Sweetwater’s friends.
He was very well liked in his year here and will surely be missed.
Gene Stockman is the epitome of the word “gentleman”. We knew we were blessed to know you from the day you moved next door to us. Your stories were always entertaining and brought a laugh or two to the conversation. We will remember you fondly, so rest with God and we will someday see you on the other side. God Bless. Fondly Bob and Marge Fredrickson
There were no strangers in Gene’s life, just friends he had not yet met. He loved his family, his country, his friends and his sports! When he married my mother, we were welcomed into his family circle and made to feel at home. His presence will be greatly missed but we will always have the memories of a man and life well lived.
Hi Gene! We met way back in 1977 and I found you to be a heck of a man.
I am so glad that you married my mother.
I couldn’t have picked a finer man for her if I had searched the world over.
I will always miss you. My world is a little smaller without you in it.