Scouts to Honor Derby Resident

Charles Stankye, Jr.

If your last name is Stankye and you grew up in Derby, chances are you were involved in Housatonic Council Boy Scout Troop 3. Charles M. Stankye, Jr. is the patriarch of the Derby Stankyes and by his example has instilled in his family a lifelong commitment to Scouting. Charlie will be recognized by Boy Scout Troop 3 for more than 70 years in Scouting on Oct 26 at Troop 3’s 100th anniversary celebration at Villa Bianca in Seymour. The troop is sponsored by the Derby 2nd Congregational Church, where it was founded in 1914, and continues to meet there.

3 Generations of Eagle Scouts Charles III, Tyler, Charles IV and Charles Jr. at Tyler’s 2011 Eagle Scout Court of honor

Stankye will be receiving the “3 for Life” award, presented every 5 years by the Troop to alumni who have been outstanding in their commitment and support of Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33. Previous recipients include the late Scouting pioneer, Edmund D. Strang, Walter R. Archer, Jr, the late Walter Petz, Robert Bednarcik, the late Charles Rotteck, Jr, Rev. John Carr, former Ansonia Mayor Bill Menna, the late Christy Testone, the late Anthony Pepe, Superbowl 1 & 2 Green Bay Packer’s Captain Bob Skoronski, the late Frank Skoronski, Dr. Robert Feeney, Shelton Aldermanic President and 100th anniversary dinner chairman John Anglace, Jr. and Rodman Kneen, who has been involved in Scouting for 82 years. Joining Stankye at the dinner as latest “3 for Life” recipients will be Dr. Sherwood Lewis and James Florczak.

Charlie Stankye, Troop 3’s 34th Eagle Scout, started his scouting career in 1942 when he became a Cub Scout in Pack 3 under legendary Cubmaster Edmund D. Strang. Charlie continued on to become a Boy Scout in Troop 3 in 1945. While a scout in Troop 3, Charlie served as a Den Chief and was Patrol Leader of the East Derby Beaver patrol. Charlie continued on to become a member of Explorer Post 33, where he served as Post Scribe and Post Guide. While a member of Troop 3 and Post 33 Charlie performed in the Annual Minstrel Shows as a soloist and endman. In 1950, Charlie attended the National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA, where he worked at the Trading Post. He was also on summer camp staff at Camp Workcoeman, in New Hartford, CT.

In 1953, along with other scouts from Troop 3 and Post 33, Charlie traveled by train to Irvine, CA to attend the National Scout Jamboree. While at the Jamboree, Charlie and the other scouts had the opportunity to meet with Danny Thomas and Debbie Reynolds. The highlight of the trip was when the scouts of Troop 3 made national headlines after a private meeting with Mitzie Gaynor. Several of the Scouts including Charlie, got to have their pictures taken with her.

As an adult, Charlie continued his scouting career. He joined the executive Board of the Housatonic Council and served on the board for 15 years. While on the board Charlie served as Council Treasurer, Vice President and President. During his term as President, the Council renamed and dedicated its camp, Housatonic Scout Reservation in Goshen after long time Scouter, Edmund D. Strang. Charlie was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Housatonic Council. He was also awarded the Bronze Pelican by the Archdiocese Catholic Committee. Charlie is also a recipient of the Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Seal Award.

Charlie continued his volunteer service to the community outside of Scouting. Charlie has been very active in the fire service not only in Derby; but throughout the State of Connecticut. He has been a member of the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company #4 of the Derby Fire Department for 60 years. As a member of the Paugassetts; Charlie served as a Lieutenant and Captain. He was the Company Secretary for 20 years. Charlie eventually rose through the ranks of the Derby Fire Department as Asst. Fire Chief and became Chief of the Derby Fire Department where he served for 8 years. In 1975 Charlie became Deputy Fire Marshal and has served in that capacity for the past 35 years. Charlie is a Past president of the Valley Fire Chief’s Association and currently serves as the Association’s Treasurer. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Valley Fire Chief’s Regional Fire Training School and serves as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the building committee of the new regional fire school.

Charlie is a Past President and the current Treasurer of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association. In 2011 Charlie was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighter’s Association Hall of Fame. In 1999 Charlie was appointed by then Governor John Rowland to the Commission on Fire Prevention & Control; where he still serves.

Charlie serves on the Board of Directors of the Derby Public Library and is a Past President of the Board.

Charlie is retired from the New England Engineering Company and the Hancock Engineering Company. He has been married to Anne Francione for the past 57 years. Anne has also been involved with Cub Scout Pack 3 for more than 45 years. Charlie and Anne have 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Charlie’s 3 sons --- Charles, III, Ronald and Richard are all Troop 3 Eagle Scouts. Grandsons Charles IV, Tyler and Timothy Stankye are Troop 3 Eagle Scouts and Zachary Geffert earned Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 1 Oxford. Ryan Stankye, of Washington state, is a fifth grandson very close to completing Eagle Scout rank. Charlie’s brother-in-law Thomas Francione is Troop 3s 51st Eagle Scout.

“Charlies Stankye was an obvious choice when we were deciding honorees for this year’s “3 for Life” award.” Stated Richard Williams, Troop 3’s Committee Chairman. “As the patriarch of an 8-Eagle Scout family that has been part of Troop 3 for more than 70 years, his community service alone is a model for us all”, Williams added.

All Troop 3 alumni and friends are invited to the 100th anniversary dinner at noon on Oct. 26, at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Raymond Oppel at 203-929-6616 (daytime) or 203-929-7210 (evenings), or by

Story posted on October 15, 2014