Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez recently attended the 90th birthday celebration of twin brothers Frazer and Gerald Stockley. The two brothers served in the European Theatre during World War II and would eventually end up owning homes next to one another in West Babylon. Gerald traveled all the way from North Carolina to West Babylon to celebrate his birthday with his brother.
“I am honored to present Frazer and Gerald Stockley with an official Town proclamation to commemorate this special day,” Deputy Supervisor Martinez said. “The Stockley brothers bravely served their country overseas before returning home and helping to form the backbone of West Babylon. Inspiring stories like these are what make the Town of Babylon the great community that it is.”
Frazer served in Germany, France, and Holland, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a Sergeant; he also spent time guarding the American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands where 8,301 soldiers are buried. Gerald fought in France, Germany, and Belgium, eventually returning stateside and served at the Sandy Hook holding barracks for US soldiers who went astray and were then distributed to US jails.
In the 1940s, Frazer and Gerald’s mother moved to West Babylon, where Frazer came and lived after returning home from the war. The twins purchased land on 2nd Street between 13th and 14th Avenues, and in 1949 they proceeded to build homes next to one another. Gerald would later move his family down to Cary, North Carolina due to job opportunities in that area, while Frazer stayed in West Babylon where all of his children were raised with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren continuing the tradition.
Pictured from left to right are Frazer Stockley, Deputy Supervisor Martinez, and Gerald Stockley.