Obituary of William D. Stamp

Age 76, passed away suddenly Monday, October 27, 2014 at The Villages in central Florida. Bill was born in Elmira, October 2, 1938, son of Raymond and Florence (Vite) Stamp. He leaves behind his wife Carroll Ann Rogers Stamp; euphemistic "Second Wife", Patricia Rogers Arnold, who with her sister was a constant companion during their golden years; children, and their spouses, Bill Stamp, Ted and Angelique Stamp, Christine and John Burge, Scott and Jodi Stamp; ten grandchildren….Christanna, Veronica, Samantha, Matthew, Sara, Kasie, Nicholas, Jasmine, Brooks and Julian; sister Audrey Lutz….all of whom will miss him forever. Also surviving are additional family and friends too numerous to count. Bill graduated from Elmira Free Academy; obtained an Undergraduate Degree in Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master's Degree in Administration from Elmira College. During his education career he taught History at Booth Junior High School, was Assistant Principal at Ernie Davis Junior High School and later retired, in 1996, from BOCES after many years in administrative roles and work with exceptional children. Bill loved baseball, coaching JV Baseball at Elmira Free Academy. In addition he loved golf, tennis, fishing, John Denver, Neil Diamond, Pabst Blue Ribbon, but mostly his family. He came from humble beginnings, but used his natural athleticism and leadership qualities to command respect and his compassion and humanity to endear him to all who knew him well. He served as a coach, educator, father and husband with a simple mantra…."Take all of the blame, give all the credit." This principle guided him through his personal and professional life. Bill had an enduring love of Elmira. He always wanted to come home in the end….and so he has. Says his oldest son Bill, "I have never before, nor do I plan to, meet anyone with more integrity than my father. He didn't have a manipulative bone in his body. I have always been very proud to be his son." Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow. Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.