John Joseph Stocker

John Joseph Stocker passed away on March 09, 2023, at the age of 84 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was the beloved and devoted husband of forty-five years to Maria (nee Villanueva). The son of the late Russell and Agnes Stocker (nee Lojewski). Cherished father of Karen, Michael (Amy), and Jason. Loving grandfather of Jared.  He will be sadly missed by relatives, family, and friends. 

John was born and raised in the Fishtown area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a young boy he was always very curious, and that wonder carried over into adulthood.  John was always interested in how or what made things operate or work. John enlisted and served in the United States Air Force, as a Civil Engineer during the Cold War and into the Vietnam War.  John spent two years in Northern Africa in what is now Libya and served the remainder of his active-duty time in Arizona.  John worked in the Anaconda Mines in Tucson Arizona for five years. In 1974, John came back to Philadelphia and worked for West Chester University where he stayed until he retired. John was very hard working and at one time he held four jobs at the same time to support his family. 

John was a very private man but was often outspoken when he had something to say. John’s favorite quote was, “Let me tell you something!” You would then get a slap on your arm or knee as he spoke his mind or words of wisdom. John could never tell a funny joke as he would start to laugh, prior to finishing it.  

When his son Michael attended West Chester University, John was initiated as an honorary member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. John was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and went to retreats in Malvern, Pennsylvania for several years.

John didn’t like to sit still. He was always on the move or working whether for income or personal joy. He enjoyed tinkering around the house, fixing, and improving things. John loved clear skies and sunny days. John enjoyed vacations from camping trips to spending time on the beach.  John often vacationed at the Jersey Shore, Florida or Bermuda with his wife Maria and family.  In 2013 the family celebrated John’s 75th birthday on a cruise to Bermuda and again in 2018 for his 80th birthday. He also loved taking trips to visit his children and family over the years.

John enjoyed the String Bands and listening to his records in the basement.  He held his own parties in his makeshift concert hall where he and Maria would dance to Glen Miller or one of his many other records.  He attended his first Rock concert at the age of 80 seeing Iron Maiden with his son Jason and said he “had a blast”.  Although John grew up in the city, he was a cowboy at heart.  John loved his cowboy boots, hat, and belt buckles. John loved to eat, and his favorite snacks were nachos and cheese, pretzels and beer, ice cream, and some occasional whiskey. Most of all, John dearly loved his wife, his children and grandson and would help them however or whenever he could.  

Relatives and friends are invited to gather and celebrate John’s life on Thursday, March 16, 2023, beginning at 9:00 am at Saint Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 1019 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.  Funeral Mass with military honors to follow the visitation at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers and for those wishing, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Wounded Warriors Foundation, Disabled Veterans of America, or Folds of Honor.

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