Kenneth R. Stakey

Kenneth “Buddy” R. Stakey, 87, of Southington, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 14, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Lucy (Berarducci) Stakey for 50 years.

Buddy was born on March 26, 1937 in New Britain to the late Frederick and Lydia (Malcein) Stakey. He grew up in Southington with a large extended Malcein family and today Malcein Dr. and Stakey Farm Rd. in Southington are part of this namesake.

Buddy proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1954 - 1958. He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Southington. Buddy worked at Evergreen Nursery since its inception, retiring in 2019 as the Vice-President. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. Buddy was proud to hold the oldest arborist license in the State of Connecticut and he was a member of the Connecticut Arborist Association. He also loved racing and his favorite pastime was going to the tracks with his son Cliff.

He is survived by two children, daughter, Crystal Dudac and son, Clifford Stakey and his wife Lorna and 4 grandchildren, Anna Dudac and her fiancé Tomas Rossi, Andrew Dudac, Kyle Stakey and Gavin Stakey and one cherished great-grandson, Mason Parise. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Donna Stakey, Claudia Berarducci and Judy Berarducci and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Lucy, Buddy was predeceased by his brother, William Stakey.

A funeral service followed by military honors will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 4 - 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.