John Henry Stahl Sr.

On the morning of February 4, 2018, a great voice and booming laugh was silenced and will be missed. John Henry “Jack” Stahl, Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Margery Spann Stahl, and his devoted caregivers. Born in Pennsylvania on September 8, 1930, Jack graduated from West Chester State University, where he was a scholar athlete in football and wrestling. A 50-plus year resident of Durham, CT, Jack was a high school biology teacher at Staples High School in Westport, and active town participant and volunteer. Known throughout the community for his big laugh and even bigger personality, Jack served as a Boy Scout pack leader, was involved in community service as a former tax assessor and recreation director, as well as the local Exchange Club. He organized local skiing trips to Europe, including the 1976 Olympics in Austria, and had the opportunity to travel worldwide, including Alaska, Costa Rica, Africa and Russia, and across the United States. Jack was an avid gardener and loved his roses (though perhaps the Japanese beetles not so much). He was known for his floral designs and wreath-making, poor golf game, frequent trips to local establishments for coffee and conversation, and scaring legions of unsuspecting trick-or-treaters with his haunted house each Halloween. Family was deeply important to Jack, and he always expressed great pride in his six children, 15 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marge; Jack Stahl, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of West Hartford; Susan Stahl Gillespie and her husband, Bill, of Durham; Sandra Stahl DeFrancesco and her husband, John, of Windsor; Linda Stahl Tribble of West Hartford; Bill Stahl and his wife, Judith, of West Hartford; and Margery Stahl of Durham, as well as his three brothers, Raymond Stahl, Robert Stahl and Louis Stahl of Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his beloved Australian Shepherd, Cindy Lou. Burial will be private. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the United Churches of Durham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Churches of Durham, 228 Main Street, Durham, CT 06422 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice. com.