Rev. John Stawasz, formerly of Pottstown

Mere written words in a short obituary are insufficient to adequately praise the Holy life and amazing accomplishments of the Rev. John Stawasz. To both family members and thousands of others around the globe whose lives he positively influenced over nearly 60 years as a Roman Catholic priest, he was simply, but affectionately, known as “Father Jack.”

On November 8, 2012, the Lord called Father Jack to join Him in Paradise.

The Rev. John Stawasz was born in Pottstown, on October 11, 1926, the youngest of nine children of the late Albert and Mary Stewartz. Father Jack was predeceased by his eight older siblings, Claire, Josephine, Mary, Tena, Stanley, Joseph, Benny and Albert.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Father Jack attended Sts. Cyril and Methodius seminary in Orchard Lake, MI, and was ordained on May 30, 1953. From 19531956 he was a parish priest at St. Stanislaus in Woonsocket, RI. He joined the Air Force as a chaplin and served from 1956-1976, re- tiring as a lieutenant colonel. Father Jack was assigned to St. Anthony’s Church in Kailua, Oahu, in 1976 and was later assigned as pastor of St. Theresa’s Church in Kihei, Maui.

The charismatic priest will forever be remembered for the major leadership role that he took in building the new beautiful St. Theresa’s Church and launching Hale Kau Kau, a daily hot meal service for low-income and homeless residents that continues to thrive today. St. Theresa’s parish hall is named after Father Stawasz.

Finally, in 1997, Father Jack was transferred to St. Michael’s Church in Kailua-Kona, HI, where he continued his priestly duties until shortly before his death. It is the site of his funeral Mass and burial.

Father Jack could sing, play the piano, accordion, bake bread and liked a good party where you could find him entertaining the crowd. He was a great teacher, priest, confessor, friend, confidant and generous to a fault. His greatest love was service to his Lord.