Family, faith, football, and a flair for “dad jokes” - those are the words that describe the life of Paul Anthony Stoecker, better known to many as “Coach Stoeck”. Paul passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in The Villages, Florida, at the age of 90, with his family by his side.

       Paul was born in Cazenovia, New York, to Francis and Emma Stoecker on April 2, 1935. After graduating from LeMoyne College, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Berlin Crisis, and later in the U.S. Army Reserves.

       It was a chance encounter that set the course of his life's calling: in his late twenties, Paul was tossing a football around with a friend at Lakeside Park in Cazenovia when Sam Volo, the longtime head football coach at Cazenovia High School, spotted him and asked if he'd like to coach. Within days, Paul was hired as a football coach and social studies teacher at Cazenovia High School, where he taught, coached wrestling and girls’ track, and coached football for 43 years.

       In 1966, Paul met his wife, Barb, a fellow teacher in Cazenovia. Within a year, they were married. For nearly 59 years, they navigated life together with their three children with laughter, joy, a deep connection to their community, and a lot of singing along the way.

       As a teacher and coach, Paul impacted the lives of countless young people as an example of great integrity, a strong work ethic, and endless kindness. Relationships with his student-athletes extended beyond their high school years - many returned to Coach Stoecker for trusted counsel, a patient ear, and lasting friendship. In the classroom, Paul was known for good-natured debate and humor. This is where the “dad jokes” really came to life.

       In retirement, Paul and Barb split their time between Cazenovia, The Villages, and the family camp at Trout Lake that they built with their own hands. Throughout his life there was always song — during long car trips, in the pews, on the porch at Trout Lake, at his singing group in The Villages, and everywhere in between. John Denver’s “Country Roads” was a favorite.

       Paul was predeceased by his siblings, Francis, Betty, Emily, and John; and is survived by his wife, Barbara; his three adoring children, Heidi (Brent) Wood, Amy (Alan) Littman and Jeff (Steve Eggleston) Stoecker; six beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Katie, Morgan, Peter, Max, and Gabe as well as several nieces and nephews

       Calling hours are 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2026 in St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Paul’s honor to be sent to CazCares, 101 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or CAVAC, 106 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035. Condolences for the Stoecker family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.