WOODBURY

Charles Stockwell, Jr.

Retired racecar driver and farmer

Charles "Chick" Stockwell, 85, of Woodbury, died Monday at home, surrounded by his loving family and caretakers, Robert Stockwell, Cheryl O'Bar, Thomas Stockwell, Valerie Galvin, Clyde O'Bar Sr. and Darryl Franklin.

Mr. Stockwell was born in Woodbury, the son of the late Charles Stockwell, Sr. and Margaret Stockwell.

He was a lifelong resident of Woodbury, and he served with the United States Army. His love for stockcar racing began in 1949. He raced many tracks, but was most famous for his number "151" at the Danbury Race arena. He retired from racing in 1981, when the track closed down. He went into farming, raising cows, which some he had pet names for. "Chick", who didn't like attention, was a quiet man. But he had an open door policy to whoever wanted to come see him on the "hill." No invitation needed. He was known for his Friday night gatherings, and many humorous stories.

He is survived by his children, Donna Lindberg and her partner Ray Oulette of Woodbury, Charles Stockwell III and his wife Peggy of Watertown, Robert Stockwell and his partner Jean O'Grady of Woodbury, Nancy Freeman and her husband Tom of Watertown, Cheryl O'Bar and her husband Clyde Sr., Thomas Stockwell and his wife Diane and Valerie Galvin and her husband Willy, all of Woodbury. He was predeceased by a son, Gary Stockwell.

He leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren behind.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the New England Antique Racing Association; P.O. Box 172 Milldale, CT 06467.

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Services: Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 10, 2013 in the New North Cemetery, 87 Washington Avenue, Woodbury.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.