George "Big Al" Alan Stater

George Alan “Big Al” Stater, 80, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

Alan was born on August 10, 1945, in Streator, Illinois, to the late John and Wanda Stater. He grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where he attended Pima College before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Alan pursued his passion for photography. He worked for Eastern Photo before opening his own photography business. He later joined the United States Postal Service, where he retired from.

In September 1971, Alan married the love of his life, Carol. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Carol (Ames) Stater; his son, Lee Stater and his wife, Tania; his cherished grandsons, Brandon Stater and his wife, Julia, Brett Stater, and Ethan Stater; and his brother, Brent Stater. His grandsons were the light of his life, and nothing brought him greater pride than watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments.

Known to many as “Big Al,” Alan had a witty sense of humor and a way of making those around him laugh. He loved his family deeply and treasured every moment spent with them.

Alan had a lifelong love of boating. Whether he was ice boating on Bantam Lake or sailing one of his many boats on lakes throughout the years, he found peace and happiness on the water. He also had a passion for photography that never faded, always trying to capture the people, places, and memories that mattered most. He also enjoyed dabbling in cooking, especially grilling for the family.

Alan will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, the stories he liked to tell and his unwavering love for his family. His life was defined not only by the work he did, but by the relationships he built and the memories he created. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at Cook Funeral Home 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.   Full military honors will be accorded on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home.  Burial will be private.