The Cahill Archives

CHARLES STOCKER FONTELIEU, 1923-2009

Michael P. Cahill

December 14, 2009

     If it were Charles Foster Kane or George Orson Welles, the sonorous voice of a radio announcer - someone like Stocker Fontelieu - might intone, "Death, as it must to all men, came to Charles Stocker Fontelieu."

     It finally did;  today, Monday December 14, 2009, at the Covenant Nursing Home in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 86.  He had been in residence at Covenant since September after a precipitous decline in his health in August culminating a summer of slow decline.

     It was reported this morning on the New Orleans Times-Picayune's website www.nola.com in an obituary by John Pope, based in part upon conversations with Janet Shea, Frank Gagnard, and me, as well as Stocker's authorized 2007 biography.

     At the moment, I, personally, don't really have much more to say.  In a way, I feel I have said it all before.  Janet & I don't really know what to do for now except toast his memory.

     As for recent news, Stocker's beloved friend Erica Metz Moeser, now living in Wisconsin, was able to pay him a visit this past weekend.  She was a member of Stocker's Teen groups at Gallery Circle and Le Petit in the 1950's & '60's, and he gave her away at her wedding.  Yesterday, Sunday, as usual, David Cuthbert, former Times-Picayune "Theater Guy" was at his side and notes that he was talking and it seemed possible that he might be improving somewhat.  Of course, Nell Lipscomb and Helen Blanke were never far away.

     Funeral arrangements are incomplete at present and it is uncertain if the services will be public or private.  However, Gary Solomon of Le Petit and, I believe, Brett & Charles Ward of Rivertown - both once Stocker's homes away from home - have offered to host a memorial.

     I do recall him often saying - and most of you know how meticulous about tying up ends he could be - that he was born at Touro Infirmary and he expected to die at Touro Infirmary.  That very nearly came to pass.  It was perhaps, beneficial, that, instead of his recent home in Jefferson Parish - his first suburban abode - that his end came back in his Native Uptown.

     He might also have been tickled that, at first, his obituary on nola.com was accompanied by a photograph of NOCCA's Paul Werner.

     What would have tickled him most, however, would be if a director or producer was searching for someone to read that line  from above - "Death, as it must to all men, came to Charles Stocker Fontelieu" - and finally just had to throw up his hands in despair and exclaim, "What we need is a Stocker Fontelieu-type!"

He will be missed by so many.

I've been in tears since I heard that Stocker has finally taken his rightful place in history.

Edward and I chose specifically not to see Stocker while he was at Covenant Place.  While we are both strong men, we simply could not endure seeing this man whom we both loved and adored slipping slowly into the past.

He has been such a force for quality theatre and positivity that we choose to celebrate Stocker's life and his works by following and glorifiying his example.

Today, New Orleans gained a new legend to inspire and inform the careers of all those who come after him and us.  This is the most fitting tribute to Stocker Fontelieu.

No member of our theatre community could not be affected by the passing of Stocker. Had he not cast me as a 'teen' in the chorus of "Bye, Bye, Birdie" in 1967, I would never have become a part of this community, nor would I have met most of the friends I  count dearest to me now. There will never be another Stocker.

Stocker will surely be missed.  I didn't know until reading the write up in the paper today, that one of the first shows that made an impression on him was "Blythe Spirit", a show which he directed me in several decades ago. 

The Cahill Archives

CHARLES STOCKER FONTELIEU, 1923-2009;  II

Michael P. Cahill

December 14, 2009

            C. Stocker Fontelieu, 86, died in his beloved home town of New Orleans this morning at 9:30 a.m., peacefully and in his sleep.

            Officially, funeral plans remain incomplete.  However, it is certainly likely that there will be a subsequent memorial.

            We at www.StageClick.com 's Cahill Archives are no "bloggers," though that has certainly been done much elsewhere.

            Here are some other messages that have made the rounds:

****

Michael,

            Butch Caire posted on Facebook this morning that Stocker passed away. Tara [Brewer] showed me the entries. Call Me.

Janet

****

            Given the unfortunate news this morning of Stocker's passing, I'd be glad to discuss this with you and certainly offer anything that Le Petit can do to honor his tremendous service to the city and Le Petit.

Gary  Solomon

****

            Stocker died this morning at Covenant, peacefully in his sleep.
            I'm so glad I visited him yesterday, when everyone was certain he was improving.

            So glad I visited Stocker yesterday. He was talking a little bit and everyone thought he was doing better.
Luv to you both,
David Cuthbert

****

Michael and Janet-

            Very saddened by Stocker's passing. I know how much he meant to you and thousands of others. I sure will miss him. Anything I can do please let me know.

yr pal,

Mac

[Mark McLaughlin]

****

            I'm so sorry to hear such sad news.

Jon Russo

****

            There is an article published by the Picayune:
http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2009/12/local_theater_legend_stocker_f.html

Tracey Collins

****

Hello Janet,

            I happened to log onto nola.com and saw the notice shortly after we spoke this morning. What a lovely man, I'm so happy I got to know him at least a little.

Peace,

Amy Alvarez

****

            Indeed very, very sad news. How are y'all both holding up over there? Please keep Vatican and I abreast of how things are going to be handled and any ceremonies, etc.

            Sending you both beaucoup cyber hugs and love!

Eddie

[Edward R. Cox]

****

            Thanks for letting me know - he was a lovely man and one of many New Orleans institutions that will be sorely missed.

Edward Real

****

            I saw the updates on facebook and read the article on nola.com. I am heartbroken to hear the news but I know that Stocker is among the angels. He was a brilliant man and I am so blessed to have had him in my life. Please keep me updated and know that I think about and have nothing but love for my NOLA Theatre family

Casey Leigh Thompson

****

            I am keeping Stocker in my prayers.
John Armstrong, SJ

[brother of Jimmy Armstrong, SJ]

****

            This is sad.  Please let me know about funeral arrangements if you find out. I am going to look thru your book tonight, Michael.  So good that you wrote it.

Francine Segal

****

            Stocker is now with my Dad, Perry Brown, who predeceased Stocker 5 years ago. What a great life-time friendship they enjoyed!!!

            I am coming to NOLA on Monday from Asheville but I guess that will be too late to make funeral. I will watch for info.

            Thanks,  

Kemper Brown

****

            Thanks so much for all the caring and love you two have given Stocker, he's at peace now and God blessed us with this wonderful human being for so many years,

            Love,

Shirl Cieutat

****

            Thank you for the information. If it hadn’t been for you all I wouldn’t know what is going on. If you hear anything more would you please send me the information.

Rob

[Robert Taylor]

****

Janet, Mr. Cahill,

            Your constant consistent care and love of Stocker was very obvious.  We should all have extended-family like you, David Cuthbert, Donald Brady, the Cooks, and especially the extraordinary Miz Nell.

            Jules Weiss, Donald Campora, Perry Brown, Mike Bernadas are gone so now I only have Stanley Duplantis to notify as well as Sir Kenneth.  It is like watching an era slowly disappear.

            Again, thank you.  Sad regards,

Bruce B. Bonnecarrere

****

            Please include me when any services / memorials are arranged.

            I pray for Stocker's eternal happiness.

John Joly

****

               Stocker's light has gone out, but not in my heart.  He was my first teacher of the dramatic arts.  Because of him, I had the courage to continue acting and made a career of it, as some of you may know.  He gave me a sense of confidence in myself I was sorely lacking until he cast me in "Seven Year Itch."  I would not even have gone to tryouts except that Stocker saw me in that restaurant across the street from Le Petit and came over to the table where I was dining with my husband, Bobby Gamble, and asked if I was an actress.  Since that was my dream, I dared to say "yes," and he suggested I audition.  And the rest is history.

               Please let me know what services are open to his friends.  And thank you, Janet, for all you did to bring comfort and ease to Stocker's last hours.

               With love,

Veleka  Gray

****

            WE have lost a true Giant of New Orleans Theatre today.

            I will miss him.

~J

Jose Garcia

****

            Stocker was always an important member of our family, but he was not a communicator within the family. Thus, you and Michael were an important contact for us. I guess we knew this day would come and at least he is not suffering any more. The obituary speaks kindly of Stocker; he certainly was an important part of the theater scene in New Orleans. He certainly had a lot of great, caring friends.

TC and Pam Lewis

[T.C. is Stocker's first cousin]

****

            If there is anything we can do to help with Stocker's final arrangements please do let us know. Stocker was such an important part of our lives, we cannot see not offering whatever we can give to make his final departure from New Orleans a fitting tribute to his memory and his works.

            Best to you and Janet

Vatican  Lokey

****

            I ache inside to hear this. I am so sad, but thank you for letting me know.

Terri  Gervais

****

            Very sorry to hear about Stocker.  I know what an inspiration and mentor he's been to you.  I lost a very special teacher a while ago and I can tell you, he's still screaming in my ear.  I'm sure Stocker will do the same for you.

Tracy Fletcher Shea

****

            Thank you for sharing these [photographs] — they are especially poignant to see right now.  

            As you may know the Flotte family is experiencing some health issues and I’m not sure if Gerold will be able to be there as he is currently at MD Anderson in Texas.  We will let Vicki know about Stocker and tell the rest of the family as well.
            Lucien and I are also in the midst of facing health issues and can’t get into a plane right now. But we do want to honor, celebrate and send our love to Stocker.  Please let us know if we can send flowers; food for any gathering; charitable contributions or whatever.
            Thank you too, for keeping us abreast of Stocker and his situation for the last months.  The role of caregiver is never easy.  But it is so appreciated by so many others.
            God bless you and Stocker and his phenomenal family of friends.
Lucien and Mary Ellen Flotte

****

            Many thanks for all of these wonderful photos.

            Here is a link to the web story (also running something at 5pm and 10pm on Channel 4, updated with some of these photos you sent)

http://www.wwltv.com/news/New-Orleans-theater-legend-Stocker-Fontelieu-dead-at-86-79238642.html

Dominic Massa

            Executive Producer/Special Projects;  WWL-TV Channel 4 (CBS)

****

Dear Janet,

            Just got yr email. My heart breaks too...love,

Barbara Bollinger

            When will funeral be? Hope to be able to come.

****

Nell,

            The day we did not want to come, but now he is at peace. I know many grieve tonight, but Stocker would want us to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing. We each have cherished moments with him and a lifetime of memories.

            Thank you for all that you have done to care for him these many months. If Bill and I can do anything for you or for a memorial service, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

            In gratitude,

Linda [Seagrave]  Cook

****

            I was working today and came home to your email. Needless to say, it has taken me some time to accept the fact that he will no longer be there to visit and to hold.

            I hope there will be a memorial service, and I hope it will be at Le Petit. That is where he spent his best years and where he inspired and guided so many in the theatre community of today. He needs to come home.

            I've tried to forward the news to some who live elsewhere but who enjoyed Stocker's company and/or friendship. He had such an extended "family" and fan base. They knew he was in failing health, but it was still sad news to receive.

            Let us know if there is anything we can do.

Linda Cook

[Bill Cook]

****

            Thank you Janet and Michael for your quick reporting and for whatever input you had into John Pope’s article. I’m glad I managed to see him Thursday; he looked like he was ready to be left alone to do his own thing. I can’t think of anyone around now who could do all the things he did so well….

Abby Lake

****

            I am filled with gratitude that Abby and I saw him only last Thursday at Covenant House, where he was very weak indeed, but smiled at us and held my hand very tightly.

Linda Hubchen

****

            I'm so sorry Stocker is gone. 

            I can just imagine him right now, in Heaven, directing the Great Christmas Pageant in the sky. He is missed here on earth today.

Kathleen  Eason Dillon

****

            We have lost a great gentleman of the theatre whose life long contribution and endless talent helped define the New Orleans theatrical community. Like so many actors of this city, I owe a great debt of thanks to this wonderful man, because without his trust and tutelage, many of us would have never tottered the boards and felt the glow of the light he shown upon us. I am forever grateful.

Bryan  Batt

****

I doubt if i would ever have steopped onto a stage in my adult life had it not been for him.  I thought of him as being immortal - In a way, he is.

Stocker Fontelieu was a prince of a man and a great theatrical presence. His "family" of thespians is huge and he will be missed and remembered fondly by all.

My wife, Mary Beth, and I were members of the LePetit Crew Club in the late 60's and early 70's.  We learned many things under Stocker's tutelage that helped us succeed in many endeavors through out lifetime.

Hurricane Katrina chased us away from our home town, New Orleans. We currently reside in Kennesaw, GA.  Although we can't be there to say farewell in person, our thoughs and prayers are with Stocker, his family and all of our brothers and sisters in the theatrical community.

With love and our condolences,

Jim and Mary Beth Maumus

The Cahill Archives

STOCKER CENTRAL

Michael P. Cahill

December 17, 2009

Sheep Without A Shepherd:

            Stocker’s obituary appeared in the New Orleans Times Picayune today, which means it is also available at www.nola.com

            Again, the funeral will take place this Saturday December 19, 2009, at 1 p.m., at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 North Causeway Boulevard (at 43^rd Street), Metairie, Louisiana 70001.

            Interment will be private.

            “In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial contributions are suggested to Tulane University Theatre Department, New Orleans, LA.

            “Online guestbook may be signed at www.legacy.com .

            “For additional information, please call (504) 835.2341.”

            Several friends have already expressed regret that they will be unable to attend the funeral.  Again, there will a Memorial service/celebration in the near future at Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré.  Plans are now being made by Chairman Janet Shea with Le Petit Theatre’s Gary Solomon and Brandt Blocker.

            George Sanchez and Diana Boylston are working upon a tribute from AFTRA (American Federation Of Television & Radio Artists).

            John Wilmot, Peter Gabb, and Charles Ferrara have collaborated on the following tribute which has been disseminated to members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG):

Stocker Fontelieu Dies at 86

            New Orleans’ legendary actor and director, Charles Stocker Fontelieu passed away on December 14, 2009.  Stocker had been a member of Screen Actors Guild for over 35 years since first joining in 1974.

            After serving his country in an infantry combat unit during World War II, Stocker returned to civilian life embarking on a show business career spanning nearly 60 years.  Entertaining audiences as an actor and director, Stocker performed in virtually every venue in the New Orleans area earning numerous accolades and awards along the way.  Among his many accomplishments, Stocker served as Executive Director of Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré from 1961 to 1985.  He also served in an executive capacity for Gallery Circle and Bayou Dinner Theater for many years.  Stocker’s ability as an actor was demonstrated in the diversity of his roles in projects such as The Toy with Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason and Angel Heart alongside Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke.

            Stocker Fontelieu will be missed by the acting community.

            For further information, I again direct all to the following sites:

http://www.stageclick.com/topic/3799.aspx

http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2009/12/local_theater_legend_stocker_f.html

http://www.wwltv.com/news/New-Orleans-theater-legend-Stocker-Fontelieu-dead-at-86-79238642.html

            The first of the above - from The Cahill Archives on www.StageClick.com - contains all the news that is news plus contributions from Jim Chimento, Vatican Lokey, Abby Lake, David Albers, Victoria Cohen May, and Jim Maumus.  Then there’s Wayne Daigrepont.  Also, many seem to be of the flattering opinion that Janet & I are the bereaved parties...when, really, it is all of us.  Of course, Nell Lipscomb was the official and primary “caregiver” - with large assists from Helen Blanke, David Cuthbert, Linda Cook, and many others.

            We have relayed many of these messages, including those from:  Amy Alvarez, Fr. John Armstrong, S.J., Susan Barrett Smith, Bryan Batt, Barbara Bollinger, Bruce Bonnecarrere, Kemper Brown, Janne & Bob Cahill, Cathie Choppin Weinstein, Shirl Cieutat, Tracey Collins, Linda & Bill Cook, Edward R. Cox, Dana Cusimano Farley, David Cuthbert, Greg DiLeo, Kathleen Eason Dillon, Mary Ellen & Lucien Flotte, Jose Garcia, Terri Gervais, Su Gonczy, Veleka Gray, Linda Hubchen, John Joly, Betty (Cahill) & Phil Kennedy, Abby Lake, Pam & T.C. Lewis, Vatican Lokey, Dominic Massa, Mark McLaughlin, Edward Real, Jon Russo, Francine Segal, Tracy Fletcher Shea, Gary Solomon, Erin Taylor, Robert Taylor, Casey Leigh Thompson, Patrick Toebe, Linda & Dale Ursprung, Brett & Charles Ward, and Carol Stone Wright.

            Here are some of the latest:

****

Hello Janet and Michael:

            Thinking of you both during your loss of a great friend.  We all will miss him but you were CLOSE to him.

            Thank you for your most informative message on Stocker...I like "Stocker Nation."  The lives he has touched is like a small nation.

            See you on Saturday!

Cathie Choppin

****

Dear Michael,

            I plan to be at the service on Saturday. Let me know if there is any way that I can be of assistance. You are doing a great job keeping us all informed.

John Armstrong, S.J.

****

            Please let us know what we can do from afar. As you may know, the Flotte family is facing some medical issues right now but we love Stocker and all that he has meant to us as a family and as individuals and would like to honor him. Please let us know the best way in which we can support the efforts to celebrate his magnificent life.

            With sadness and gratitude,

Mary Ellen Flotte

****

Dear Janet & Michael:

            Please accept our most sincere condolences.  If ever there were an occasion for the lights to dim at metro theatres, this would, in my humble opinion, be such a case.  Words fail us to describe this man's impact, but we suggest that Stocker's theatrical life and contribution be celebrated in such enormity that appropriate focus shrine as it should.  We hope that every theatre cooperate in a magnanimous way in doing this, and offer our humble assistance.

            Much love,

Charlie & Brett Ward

****

            Will both be there on Saturday.

            Our deepest condolences to you and Janet.

            Sincerely,

Vatican Lokey [& Edward Cox]

****

Janet and Michael-

            You were his angels, thank you for your emails.  I will be unable to attend the funeral, my dear friend's daughter is being married Saturday at 11:30 a.m.  Janet, thanks for planning the memorial service, let me know if I can help in any way,

            Love,

Shirl Cieutat

****

Dear Janet and Michael:

            Thank you so much for tirelessly carrying the torch of communication about Stocker. I look forward to the memorial gathering, since the funeral is the same day as my mother's 90th birthday party, which I am hosting at my house.

Greg DiLeo

****

Dear Michael and Janet:

            Thanks you so much for your loving care of Stocker over the last weeks since he fell.  Were it not for you we would not have known what was going on with him.  We've had him in prayers and it is comforting to know that he is not in pain or suffering any longer.  You both were faithful caregivers and saw to so many of his needs.  I know that others helped, too, and we are appreciative of all that helped.  You gave him your time and love in a beautiful way.  Thank you so much that he was not alone and lonely in his final days.  You are true friends!  Stocker was a wonderful man and will be missed, but his spirit will live on especially among the theater family in New Orleans.  Michael, I am so glad that you persevered and completed the book about Stocker.  We will cherish our copy always.  Please keep us posted of services, memorials, etc.

            Lovingly,

Dale and Linda Ursprung, (Cousin)

****

Hello Ms Shea,

            I'm Robert and Beth Taylor's daughter.  I want to thank you for letting my dad know about my grandpa other wise we would have never known.  If you would please, when you get more information about his death, would you please let me know.  I’ve missed him since the last time I saw him which was my graduation back in 2006. it's hitting the family pretty hard....He was the shining star in our family that warmed our hearts.
Erin Taylor

****

Everyone,

            I'm having surgery on 12/16 so I won't be able to make the service, but I will be praying for Stocker's family and friends.  Please let me know when there is a memorial, and I hope to be up and about by then.

            Wishing you a blessed holiday.

Veleka Gray

****

            I'm just devastated by this news.

            I'm just so sad.  I do feel fortunate, though, that my last visit w/ Stocker was at a time when he was lucid and knew me. I know that it's been much harder on those of you who've seen him more often and in a declining state.

            I feel terrible that I won't be able to attend his service on Saturday. I have a WHITE CHRISTMAS matinee that afternoon. I'll be thinking of him while in performance, though -- Stocker was my first director at Le Petit, and he really opened my eyes to the magic of New Orleans theatre.

Susan Barrett Smith

                        [ed.- As Stocker might have said: “The show must go on!”]

****

Dear Mike and Janet,

            I know I join everyone on this list in expressing my deepest sympathy to Stocker's family, theater family of present and past and all those who enjoyed the fruits of his hard work and dedication to the arts in New Orleans.  I am so grateful to have had Stocker as my director, in two productions at the Bayou.  He is such a big part of my acting experience in New Orleans.  It was under his direction that I truly felt I was a professional.  You always knew that if Stocker was directing, you only had to worry about learning your lines, and doing a good job on stage.  He took care of the rest.  I will always remember the countless parties at his home in Lakeview next to the train tracks, the empty hot tub in his house (I still don't know if it ever got used), play readings, and having after the show cocktails with him at the Bayou Bar.

            I can't help but picture him in heaven hanging out with George Kelly, Elliot Keener, Pauline Prelutsky and Sandi Broussard.  I'm sure he's organizing a show as we speak.

            I don't think I'll be able to attend the funeral as Mike, Nadia and I are not scheduled to drive in from Houston till the 23^rd.  Please let me know if there is anything else I can attend during the Christmas holiday for him.  Even though I hadn't seen Stocker much in recent years, living in Houston and overseas, I will still feel a void knowing he's not with us.

            Thank you for being his family in New Orleans and providing your friendship till the end.

Love from Houston,

Dana Cusimano Farley

****

You know....

            I prefer to imagine Stocker's last moment as a dramatic pause before crossing the stage.

            Here's to the art of the craft,

Su Gonczy

****

            Two of the four "most memorable productions Stocker directed" that were mentioned in the article were shows that my brother David Stone starred in, oh, so long ago.  Virginia Woolf and A Man For All Seasons.  He was too young for those roles, perhaps, but they were two highlights of his life.  I sent the quote to his family.Carol Stone Wright

****

            Has there been any thought to creating a scholarship or theatre prize in Stocker's honor?  I for one would gladly contribute!

Patrick Toebe

            Theatre Manager/Technical Theatre Instructor

            Diego Rivera Theatre

            City College of San Francisco

            415-239-3132

****

            If you need any help with the memorial I am happy to help

Casey Leigh Thompson

****

Janet and Mike,

            Phil and I were so saddened to hear about Stocker's passing.

            I know how much he meant to both of you.

            He was quite a remarkable man and I will always remember him going up to Mama and hugging her at every performance (and me, too!).  As I've told you before, when I would mention his name or read to her from your book about him at Bishop Davies, she would always look up and say, "Oh yes.....Stocker!", and smile a long, sweet smile.  I could tell she was seeing him in her mind's eye, and remembering.  She may have forgotten some things at that time, but she remembered him well and with fond memories.

            The last time we saw him was at Mama's funeral, and I got to talk to him a little.

            He didn't look well and had trouble walking, but he was there.

            Now they can have good ole talks about the theater.

            I know he will be missed by so many.

            We will miss him, too.

            Again, you are both in our hearts and prayers at this very sad time.

Love You Both,

Betty and Phil Kennedy

****

Mike and Janet,

            We're sorry to hear about Stocker..... he defined "Cool Dude."  He will be missed.

Bob and Janne Cahill

****

Hi Janet and Michael

            I...was so grateful for all of your emails about Stocker.  A friend had sent me the piece from the T.P.  But it was very kind of you to send the background information.  The last few months must have been pretty rough all around.  I hope everything goes well on Saturday.  I will be thinking about you all.

Lots of love

Julie Emig Simmons

[London, England]

****

            By the way, Stocker - unbeknownst to most of us - did use Charles often.  Naturally, the Army didn’t bother to mess around with middle names and so everyone he knew then called him “Charlie.”  I remember much of his mail and papers were addressed to Charles S. Fontelieu and I think that’s what he put on his mailbox.  I distinctly remember, not that long ago, I think while Kathy Taaffe ran the Le Petit Theatre concession bar - I think even at the start of the Borey Regime - the liquor license was in the name of “Charles S. Fontelieu,” which came as quite a surprise when I informed him.  Anyway, to be sure, I never knew anyone that called him Charles.