NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna hosted a memorial service Sept. 28 in honor of teammate Michael Stoey who passed away July 15, 2021, in a tragic car accident.
Rob Montefour, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna site director, provided opening remarks for the service, attended by Stoey’s employees.
“He was a sharp, critical thinking engineer with an incredible handle on the practical side of executing the full scope of work, even beyond the electrical components,” Montefour said.
Stoey initially worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and came to work for DLA Installation Management Susquehanna in 2002, where he rose to the position of engineering chief. From designing projects, to weekend full scale tests of the Eastern Distribution Center generator system, studies on the installation’s electrical distribution system and overseeing military construction projects, Stoey left an enduring mark on the installation that you can physically see.
In both work and personal settings, Stoey was generous, kind and always looking to see how he could help. He didn’t always want to be the center of attention, but often reached that place due to his altruistic personality and the way he welcomed people in.
“And once you were in, you were hooked as Mike was a fierce friend you could always count on whether you were having a good day or a bad day,” Montefour said.
Montefour concluded his remarks with a prayer, asking for a special blessing on Stoey’s family, as they make their way through life without him.
Mike Loe, deputy site director, then read the Distinguished Career Service Award citation, presented posthumously to Stoey for 34 years of exceptional service to the Defense Department.
Beth DeSorbo, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna executive officer, shared memories gathered from his loyal employees and Montefour welcomed everyone to stop at the Mike Stoey memorial table. The table included pieces of electronic and safety equipment from installation projects he led, Penn State, Steelers and Red Land baseball memorabilia, Harley Davidson items, Knights of Columbus items, a deer skin and gardening items.
“We are here to honor his service of over 34 years of federal service. Mike loved growing vegetables in his home garden … but he also loved growing relationships and careers here at work. Mike’s legacy left an impact not only on our installation infrastructure, but on all our lives,” Montefour said.
An avid gardener, Stoey supplied the entire Installation Management workforce with cucumbers all summer long. In his memory, packets of cucumber seeds were given to attendees as they enjoyed some of his favorite things — pizza, cucumbers, peanut butter fudge and cupcakes.