Joseph “Joe” Patrick Stabler, 46, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014 in Norfolk, VA. He was born on June 26, 1968 in Long Beach, CA. Joe was a veteran of the U.S.Army where he served honorably for 2 years. After his military service, he earned two bachelors degrees from Old Dominion University. Joe was a handy man and could fix anything. He had numerous hobbies such as golf, tennis, running, reading, traveling, music and the arts. His passion was the joy of interacting and sharing knowledge with others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by a daughter, Chelsea Marie Stabler of Charlottesville; mother, Rita Kay Stabler of Virginia Beach; a sister, Cindy Alward and her husband, Randy of Veedersburg, IN; a brother, Eric Stabler of Virginia Beach; two nephews, Brayden and Aaron Alward of Veedersburg, IN; and numerous other loving relatives.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 4:00 pm at Beach Church, 503 15th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the MC Vets organization, 301 N High St, Baltimore, MD 21202 or by visiting their website at http://www.mcvet.org/donatenow.php.
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Thank you, Joe, for your service to our country in the United States Army.
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I am so sorry to hear that you’ve gone on to the next life. Though I haven’t seen you in nearly 30 years I will never forget the times we spent together at Brandon junior high and racing BMX. The guy with the Mohawk and checkerboard tie with the sleeves ripped off your shirt. Lunches in the cafeteria with those soybean burgers greasy fries and hostess cherry pies. You introduced me to BMX racing, punk rock, and running from the police on our bikes when we’d sneak out at night. I cherish those times. I had already planned to build a Robinson tribute bike like the one you had as soon as I finish the one like I had. Rest in peace my old friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with our daughter, Chelsea, and all of Joe’s family and loved ones.
So many memories. I remember riding on the handlebars of Joe’s bike when he was too young to drive. He wrote me a handwritten letters everyday when I was away at boarding school and he was in the Army. Then college…I would drive from Carson-Newman (close to Bristol, TN) to UVA, Wise, VA on Wednesday nights and make that trek again for the weekend. I think going to see REM in Knoxville was one of the highlights of our college days. He proposed to me on the porch swing during summer session while in College. I remember when I was pregnant with Chelsea craving Starburst, and he brought home a bag of skittles. I got so upset. Chelsea and I still laugh about that. I remember Joe and I bringing Chelsea home from the hospital in a Limo 24 years ago. AND, she’s still all glam :). I could go on and on. Joe was smart, talented, and handsome. Rest in Peace, Joe.
Rita,Eric,Cindy and Chelsea,my heart, love and prayers goes out to each one. I don’t know if Chelsea remembers me, but you all are like family. I was with Joe and the family one time when Joe was here visiting Cindy and we had gone out to eat. He was a wonderful man, much like his family, caring, compassion and their love for God.
God be with you till we meet again.
I woke up today to hear my first love passed away. It has been 30 years and I still remember Joe well. The first thing I did was get my 1984 GRHS yearbook and there he was, on the first page, with a long letter to me that was the sweetest thing I have read in a long time. Maybe ever. My 11 year old son read it to me while I cried. We were only in 10th grade but our love was special, and real. I’ll never forget the day we stayed home from school (it was skip day for the seniors, not us) and my mom found out. Later that day, I was riding on Joe’s bike handlebars and we wrecked. I knocked out my front tooth and had to have an emergency root canal and crown the same day. To this day, I think that was the maddest my mom has ever been at me, for the collective events of that day. Of course I remember his sadness too. It breaks my heart to know that it continued throughout his entire life. I hope everyone remembers the very sweet, cute, smart guy that I remember. You never forget your first love. At least I won’t. Rest in peace, Joe. Much love to your family.
Lisa Salter Ingold
Eugene, OR.
I would be honored if anyone wants to read my tribute at Joe’s celebration of life.
I woke up today to hear my first love passed away. It has been 30 years and I still remember Joe well. The first thing I did was get my 1984 GRHS yearbook and there he was, on the first page, with a long letter to me that was the sweetest thing I have read in a long time. Maybe ever. My 11 year old son read it to me while I cried. We were only in 10th grade but our love was special, and real. I’ll never forget the day we stayed home from school (it was skip day for the seniors, not us) and my mom found out. Later that day, I was riding on Joe’s bike handlebars and we wrecked. I knocked out my front tooth and had to have an emergency root canal and crown the same day. To this day, I think that was the maddest my mom has ever been at me, for the collective events of that day. Of course I remember his sadness too. It breaks my heart to realize that it continued throughout his entire life. I hope everyone remembers the sweet, cute, smart guy that I remember. You never forget your first love. At least I won’t. Rest in peace, Joe. Much love to your family.
Lisa Salter Ingold
Eugene, OR.
I would be honored if someone wants to read my tribute at Joe’s celebration of life.
To the Stabler Family, I wish to let you know our hearts are breaking with the news of your loss. I know Joe had a special place in your hearts, as my children do mine.
Growing up, I learned to pray for our military, who each day serve this country in wartime and in peace. Having grown up as a military “brat”, serving myself, marrying into, and having my own son go to war, I realize the mental pressures you are put under. I pray you will find peace.
Joe was an amazing man, always willing to help when needed! he will be greatly missed. May God bless and keep the family during your time of sorrows. God is always near to those of a broken heart. I am so very sorry for your lost.We are here if you need us.
Sincerely, Dawn Nordstrom & Family
Heart Felt sympathy from all the Yoder family at the passing of Joe!
Having babysat Chelsea,from the time she was just a little girl I feel like all of you have become my extended family over the years,and I cannot believe he`s gone.
Having lost my son Matthew eleven years ago,I can feel your pain in a very real way…
About 12 years ago,Michael and I were on our way to Norfolk General Hospital to visit Eli,low and behold we ran out of gas at rush hour on the 264!pulling over on the side of the road,we prayed, asking God for His protection,and to please send some one to help us,we got out of our car,stood by the side of the road wondering what to do next?about 5 minutes later a car pulls over behind me and out jumps Joe Stabler wanting to know what`s wrong and could he help?talk about God sending a quick answer to prayer in the form of Joe,that was it!and something Michael and I will never forget!Joe took us to get gas,and we were soon on our way.
Joe was always kind and considerate and loved Chelsea so much
May our kind Heavenly Father bring comfort and healing to your broken hearts.
We love you,Naomi Yoder
Aunt Rita,Eric,Cindy and Chelsea,
Please know that I am sending all my love to you and am continually praying for you. It breaks my heart that I can’t be there for you during such a difficult time, but know that the God of love, healing, and comfort is with you always. He promises that He close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
With all my love,
Kallie
So saddened to hear that Joe has passed. He was a great friend and we spent many a night in the 80s scrounging change for smokes and listening to great music. I’ll never forget those days; some of the happiest of my life. I’d been searching for him for years; I regret that I’ll never see him to tell him how much his friendship meant to me.
Joe was one of the sweetest souls ever. Girls had crushes on him. Guys had fun adventures with him. He was so well liked and the essence of a “cool dude.” My condolences to his family know that there are many of us who have such fond memories of this wonderful man.
Joe and I had many good times together and we became very close in recent years. He has been a friend of mine since 1995. We shared a unique relationship and one that I will cherish forever. He was so caring about others but mostly his family. He always challenged me to crossword puzzles, scrabble, jeopardy, music trivia etc…(Sometimes I let him win Ha!ha!). I will miss one of the most gentle, loving, non-judgemental people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be deeply missed all.
Im very sorry to hear about Joes passing.I wish I would have heard sooner so I could have attended the service.My mother Judy also sends her condolences.If there is anything we can do,please let us know.My phone number is 757-362-2220.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even really grasp the situation. It doesn’t seem real. Joe holds a special place in my heart. Although we went to high school together we became friends after. We shared a birthday, June 26; I always think of him on that day. He was very good to me, when I needed him the most. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Ame
So sorry to hear about the loss of your son, brother,father. Our families were friends a long time ago and we always thought fondly of the Stablers.Please accept our condolensces as we are praying for your family. With sincere sympathy, Erik and Shelbie Lillefloren
As many people have already stated, my father was a gentle and extremely caring soul. He was beyond intelligent and achieved many amazing things in his life. He was handsome…he was handy. He treated people with respect. He was sophisticated. He loved me with his whole heart and treated me like his princess.
He served for two years in the Army, was discharged honorably, and went in to obtain two degrees from Old Dominion University. One of those degrees was in Business Admin, the other IT. He ran marathons, played golf, loved tennis, and read the dictionary for fun. He soaked up knowledge in all situations…from any and all experiences, books, music, other arts, etc. Anything my dad tried to do, he excelled at! He could figure out a solution to anyone else’s problems and he could fix almost anything! The way his mind worked was completely fascinating to me and so many others.
Many people know he suffered with depression for a long time, but my father was a good GOOD man! PEACE forever! Loved by so many people! So talented…he will be missed more than he could’ve ever known. Thank you everyone for your kinds words and support and for sharing your stories!
I wrote a very long message here and it was deleted for some reason. Please do not delete this!!!!!!!
Like many people have stated, my father was an extremely gentle and caring soul. He loved me with his whole heart and treated me like a princess. He was intelligent beyond words and he excelled at any and everything he decided to try to do. He served two years in the Army and was honorably discharged. Then he earned two degrees from Old Dominion University, one in Business Admin, the other IT. He was a hard worker and loved to interact with people. He ran marathons, played golf, tennis, and read the dictionary for fun! He was so smart! I can’t even express through words how smart this man was! Like his sister says, he was like a sponge for knowledge! He just soaked it all up! And he could retain it all and spit it back out, explain it to anyone! I was always fascinated by the way his mind worked! He was a beautiful man. Everyone that knew him always spoke about how handsome he was…my friends had crushes on him…my friend’s sisters had crushes on him! He would do anything to help anyone. He would do anything for me. I have many fond memories with my dad. New York City, the pet store (he liked Bull Terriers), fancy restaurants, hole in the wall restaurants with awesome food and pinball machines, arcades!!…when I was a little girl he worked at La Galleria and there was a man there that played the piano. He would request Brown Eyed Girl and we would dance. I went to eat at Kincaid’s for my birthday once and he and the staff decorated the table and made everything fancy for me. He always made sure I had my strawberry lemonade. We would stay up all night playing Tomb Raider and when the movie came out he took me to see it every day for three days straight…just because I wanted to. It was during the summer, he would pick me up from an art class I was taking and we would go to the movies. I really could go on and on about my Joe. He struggled with depression most of his life but that never got in the way of his kindness and compassion for others. Remember him as a kind soul and take comfort in knowing that he is resting peacefully. We will be reunited again one day. Thank you everyone for your sweet words and wonderful stories! Love to all, Chelsea
I am so sorry for your loss. I know this is a very difficult time for the family. Something that has always given me comfort is a scripture at Revelation 21:4, it says, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I sincerely hope this brings you some comfort.