David Paul Stoeckel, 75, of Laguna Hills, California, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 of complications related to Covid 19.

Dave was born on September 2, 1945 in Lancaster, PA to Erich and Beth Stoeckel.  He attended Lancaster public schools, graduating from Manheim Township High School. Dave was then accepted to the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA where he played football as a freshman before shifting his interest to rugby over the next 3 years.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, he served two years active duty in the US Army at Fort Clayton, located in the Panama Canal Zone.  Upon returning to the U.S., Dave made Orange County, CA his home as he began a career with Price Waterhouse in Santa Ana, CA.

Later in life, with two children having competed in college sports, he started a business that focused on helping student-athletes in the college recruiting process. He took great joy in helping these young athletes find the right college, team, and coach for their post-high school education. Over 30 years, he helped countless athletes through this process. He truly loved it.  He was particularly proud of the “Making A Difference” award he was presented with in 2020 by IECA (a professional organization for educational consultants) which was a true testament to the work he did and all the lives that he positively impacted. Many colleagues recognized his kind, caring nature and how generous he was with giving of his time to anyone who needed help.

Dave also loved his alma mater, Penn State, the rugby team, and his fraternity. He still kept in touch with his teammates from rugby way back when.  He also enjoyed spending time in San Francisco and Sausalito with his family — one of his favorite places to visit. Another favorite spot of Dave’s to gather as a family was in Dana Point, CA,..anywhere near the water with a cool breeze and warm sun would put a smile on his face.  He was easy-going, kind, caring, smart and had a tremendous sense of humor.

Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cindy Stoeckel and two children, Christy and Bryan.  Christy lives in Laguna Beach and Bryan lives in Temecula.  Dave has 3 grandchildren, Jordyn, Ryland and Blake, all of Temecula.

Dave is predeceased by his brother, John Stoeckel, parents Erich and Beth Stoeckel and stepmother Jane Stoeckel.

A celebration of life service will be held later this Spring pastored by long-time friend, Richard Farrand of Ocean Isle, NC.  Memorial donations may be made in Dave’s honor to the Laguna Hills High School Athletic Boosters, David Stoeckel Memorial Fund at LHHS, 25401 Paseo de Valencia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.  From this fund, scholarships will be awarded every Spring to deserving college-bound student athletes.