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WILLIAM L. STOKELY, SR.

William L. Stokely, Sr. was born March 30, 1890, in South Hempstead, Long Island. He was the third child of Cecilia Cornell Stokely and Samuel Stokely. His two sisters, both deceased,  were Edith Stokely Hudnell and Madlyn Stokely LeSeanne. His national roots emerged from the union of the native peoples - the Shinnicocks and Black Americans. A union that resulted from the historical necessity of two peoples who were and are oppressed in this society. The Black slaves who escaped thru the underground railroad and Shinnicocks who provided a "haven" for them 'up North.'

To have survived as a Black Man over 9 decades is a fete in itself. A man who, at the age of 7, became an orphan, but did not become daunted, but instead dedicated his life to serving people - with a quiet dignity and grace.

Daddy started his work life as a chef's helper and then as a chef at the New York State School for the Deaf. During his employment at the school, he became a favorite of all the staff and residents, both because of his enjoyment of good cooking and his efficiency in "speaking" the language of the deaf. Even after his retirement from the school, he was always included in their annual celebrations and programs - events that he would never miss. 

Daddy loved to prepare tasty meals and received great satisfaction from seeing that others enjoyed the meals as well as getting pleasure from a good feast himself. His culinary skills were also known and remembered by the Waldorf Astoria and the Chrysler family.

In October 1934, he was hired as a "Red Cap" for Grand Central. Again, he became noted for his dependability, his efficiency and service with dignity. He worked for 37 years during both the terminals hey day - when it was the travel center for the wealthy and famous and also during Grand Central's decline when the type of personal service provided by the Red Caps became "obsolete." But for those who knew Bill Stokely, #150, he was never forgotten - for no one ever missed a train or lost their luggage when he was on the scene. His speed and discipline which enabled him to meet those train schedules was not purely accidental, but instead and outgrowth of years of practice and training as a long-distance runner. 

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