Edward W. Stack, former president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, died June 4 in a Port Washington senior care facility at the age of 88.
The New York Times reported that his daughter, Amy Stack, said his death was caused by complications of an injury that led to the amputation of his left leg.
He is survived by his wife, Christina Stack, daughters Amy Stack, Kimberly Stack and Suzanne Stack, three grandchildren and his sister.
Funeral services were held on June 15 at the United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff.
Stack served as president of the Hall of Fame from 1977 to 1993. He spent more than 60 years in leadership positions for the organization.
“Ed Stack’s leadership and vision guided the museum for six decades as the Hall of Fame grew in size and stature,” Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, said. “We were privileged to have him serve this institution and the Village of Cooperstown in so many capacities, and his legacy of dedication, generosity and compassion will remain with us forever.”
After stepping down as president, Stack remained on the Hall of Fame’s board until his death a month ago.
Stack was born Feb. 1, 1935 in Rockville Centre and grew up in Sea Cliff.
He graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1956. After graduating, he joined the The Clark Estates family business.
Stack became the secretary of the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in 1961 after the death of founding President Stephen C. Clark.
Just 16 years later, Stack became the third president and chairman of the institution.
He is remembered for his contribution to the organization’s growth while in leadership positions.
“I worked closely with him on projects to expand the Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame Library,” Howard Talbot, the late former Hall of Fame director, was quoted saying in a press release. “He always knew how to get people to work together.”
Stark also served as director of The Clark Estates, vice president and director at the Clark Foundation, the Scriven Foundation, the Nourse Foundation, the Fernleigh Foundation, the Baseball Assistance Team and The Farmers’ Museum. He was also a member of the Salvation Army’s Nassau County Advisory Committee.
He received the Otsego County Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award in 2001, the United States Baseball Federation’s Executive of the Year Award and the Congressional Achievement Award in 1990.
Pace University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Alumnus of the Year.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum or the Glimmerglass Opera Festival, Cooperstown, N.Y.