David Lee Stucker

Chapin - David Lee Stucker, 64, of Chapin, SC, whose eclectic passions ranged from nuclear engineering to politics to a cappella vocal music, died July 8, 2021 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Born August 28, 1956 in Baton Rouge, LA, he grew up in Leavenworth, KS and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nuclear engineering from Kansas State University. He spent his more than forty-year career with Westinghouse Electric Company, where he was the Director of Global Fuel Cycle Strategy. Passionate about his work in the field of alternative energy, Mr. Stucker’s irrepressible intellectual curiosity was boundless, and he was well regarded within the engineering community: he held multiple patents and was an active researcher, presenter, and published author (even as recently as weeks before his passing) in the field of nuclear physics.

Mr. Stucker’s enthusiastic zest for life extended beyond his love of his work as a physicist into his personal life. He maintained a deep interest in history and current events and, with his engineering background and unwavering inquisitiveness, was constantly attending to his latest prototype or design project in his workshop at home. One of his biggest passions was the culinary arts: Stucker’s sensitive and discerning palate gave him the ability to recreate, and even improve, dishes he tasted without ever having seen the list of ingredients. His expertise as a skilled and creative home cook ranged from authentic Italian cuisine to his signature Carolina barbecue sauce to classic Midwest meat and potatoes. However, music was perhaps his most cherished hobby and longest abiding interest: many of Stucker’s most precious memories and lifelong friendships were forged through song during his tenure as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, of which he was a constituent since the age of fifteen. In addition to his role as a certified Sound Judge with the Society, Mr. Stucker achieved substantial success and stature as a musician in both performance and competition: domestically and internationally as a chorus member (multiple seasons; Heart of America, Central States, an ensemble in which he performed with his father) and a Quartet Champion (1985; New Affair, Johnny Appleseed District).

Courageous, especially in the face of medical adversity during the past several years, Mr. Stucker battled, first, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and, later, chronic lung allograft dysfunction. He braved two double lung transplants and demonstrated resilience, optimism, and immense strength in the face of uncertain and difficult circumstances. His presence (and low, resonant singing voice) filled a room, his intense commitment to his spiritual growth throughout his life gave him the wisdom to lead and inspire those around him, and his unfailing kindness, profound generosity, and deep sense of integrity will remain a paragon of a Christian life to his family, friends, and community. He was opinionated but open-minded, loving to a fault, and intensely loyal to God and his beloved family.

He leaves his wife of thirty-five years, Filomena Stucker, of Chapin; two daughters, Dr. Jacquelyn Stucker Drye (Matthew), of Massachusetts, and Eliza Stucker-Rozovsky (Aaron), of West Virginia; and his two constant canine companions, Rags and Mozart. He is also survived by his mother, Jane Stucker, of Leavenworth, KS, and brother, Matthew Stucker (Kathy), of Larned, KS. He was predeceased by his father, John Stucker.

A Catholic Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 24th, at The Basilica of St. Peter, Columbia, SC with interment at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Chapin, SC. A reception will follow at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the David Lee Stucker Memorial Fund, established in Mr. Stucker’s memory to either offer tuition assistance to the Basilica’s elementary school students (St. Peter’s Catholic School) or to support the Basilica’s music ministry. To contribute to either of these funds, please address your correspondence to either St. Peter’s Catholic School - Tuition Assistance Fund, 1035 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or The Basilica of Saint Peter - Music Ministry, PO Box 1896, Columbia, SC 29201. Please note “David Stucker Memorial Gift” on your donation, and please direct any queries to Courtney Nowak Kahn ([email protected]).