Beloved Jenkintown Doctor, Air Force Colonel, Passes At 76

Obituary Courtesy Wetzel and Son Funeral Home

JENKINTOWN, PA — Dr. Donald Howard Stock slid into the big home plate in the sky on May 23, 2019. The umpire, in his ultimate wisdom, threw his arms out and shouted “Safe!” The crowd went wild. He was 76.

Donald was the husband of the late Gail F. Stock; father of Nancy Stock (Bill Righter) and Susan Serna (Javier); brother of Marilyn Stock and David Alan Stock (Mary); brother-in-law of Lynn Matthews (Charles).

Donald’s long career as a physician saw him help patients in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force (Ret. Col.), as well as his own home practice in Jenkintown and lastly the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. His medical and military career took Donald to many places, including Maine, Hawaii, Texas, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Korea twice.

Donald grew up in the Mayfair area of Philadelphia, attending Lincoln High School. He later graduated from Ursinus College and Jefferson Medical School. He and his family were also well-known in the Brigantine, New Jersey, area as they maintained a residence there for many years and vacationed there often.

An avid fan of all Philadelphia sports teams, but especially the Phillies and Eagles, Donald most enjoyed rooting for the Phils and conversations about Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt and how most MLB players never learned how to properly lay down a decent bunt.

When not talking baseball, his other favorite topic was fishing. Whether telling fish tales or expounding upon why squid makes the best bait for flounder, Donald was always on the search for the elusive (and maybe fictitious) Whompus fish – which sleeps in the trees and swims backwards to keep the water out of its eyes. His family is certain there are schools of Whompus fish just waiting to be hooked in Heaven.

Relatives and friends were invited to remember Donald at his graveside service ‪Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 10 a.m. (please arrive by ‪9:45 a.m.) at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, ‪830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.