Kenneth Koken Stocker Jr. ’53

Ken Stocker, who made a memorable musical impact during our stay at Princeton, died Feb. 24, 1996. He was a native of Allentown, Pa., and lived there most of his life.

A superb drummer, he formed his own orchestra, Ken Stocker's Dance Band, and spread joy to followers of the big-band sound on Prospect Street and off-campus for three and a half years. In addition, Ken played drums for the Roundhouse Eight, a jazz combo also in much demand at the eating clubs, and set the beat for the 1951-52 Triangle Club Orchestra. Ken was such an avid "drummin' man," roommate John Leinfelder recalls, that often, late at night, Ken would get out of bed and practice on their living room radiator with his drumsticks. The tapping resounded throughout the dorm, and students knew where to go to beg good-naturedly for quiet. Ken was chairman of Charter Club's entertainment committee, served on the board of WPRU, belonged to the advertising club, and majored in politics. At his death, Ken was president of Kensol Chemical, makers of fine metal maintenance products. Deep sympathy to wife Judy; sons Kenneth III and Dennis, an Air Force captain who plays drums; and daughter Deborah Swann. Ken helped many of us forget our troubles and get happy.

The Class of 1953