John Gordon Statzer

HAMPTON - John Gordon Statzer, 68, of Hampton, Va., lost his battle with diabetes and passed into eternal life on Feb. 13, 2011.
Gordon was born in Richmond, Va., and grew up, attended school, and graduated from high school in Newport News. He then joined the U.S. Navy, served six years as a Corpsman during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Portsmouth, Va. Following his military service he attended the University of Georgia and studied commercial art for two years. He then returned to the Peninsula and became a Hair Dresser and businessman throughout his adult life in Hampton. He co-owned the "Hampton Beauty Salon" after the salon moved from Downtown Hampton to Sinclair Circle, and finally to Settlers Landing Road where he was also co-owner of the "Crown and Stag Antique Shop" on Settlers Landing Road for more than 10 years.
Gordon was a talented artist and stained glass designer with many of his paintings, and stained glass lamps and windows in the homes of people in the area. Additionally, he was a Master Gardner and designed the entrance circle to Merrimac Shores, as well as the landscape plans for many homes on the Peninsula. He had interests in antiques and history and he belonged to several historical re-enactment groups in the greater tidewater area. He was an avid world traveler and he went to England, Italy, and twice to Russia with a cultural exchange group where he met and befriended the Minister of Cultural Affairs. He was a voracious reader and a fun loving person who orchestrated decorations and games for parties and family gatherings.
He was preceded in death by his lifelong friend and companion, Benjamin Russell, his mother, Mrs. Glenice Statzer Kidd, her husband, O.C. Kidd, his brother, Mr. Lewis Ray Statzer, his nephew, Russell Belcastro, his niece, Dr. Celeste M. Belcastro, all of the Peninsula; and his niece's husband, Dr. Bernard Hoffman Jr. of New Jersey.
He is survived by his brother, Mr. Gary Kidd, his wife, Mrs. Donna Kidd, and their children, Jasen and Ian; his niece, Mrs. Tracy Ross, her husband, Mr. Joshua Ross, and their daughter, Madison; his niece, Ms. Whitney Statzer; two local nieces, Ms. Ruth Grace Belcastro and Dr. Christine M. Belcastro; a third niece who resides in New Jersey, Mrs. Patricia Hoffman, and her children and their families, Mrs. Jennifer Cino, Mr. James Peter Cino Jr., James Peter Cino III, Sophia Marie Cino, Dr. Bernard L. Hoffman III, Dr. Ana Paula Hoffman, all of New Jersey. He is also survived by Russell's sons, Mr. Tony Belcastro of Hampton and Mr. Steven Belcastro of West Point, Va., Tony's friend and companion, Ms. Chris Smith, Steven's wife, Mrs. Kelly Belcastro, and daughter, Fallyn Belcastro, and numerous life-long friends, including Ms. Syd Holloway of Poquoson, Mr. Danny Chappel of Durham, N.C., Ms. Lauren Patterson of Gloucester, and Mr. and Mrs. Gene and Cheryl Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Subalu Knopfle, and daughter, Mrs. Shawn Miller, Mrs. Maria Hudgins, Mrs. Connie Soles, all of Hampton, and Mr. Bennett Stein and Ms. Peggy Maes, both of York County.
Although Gordon lived a happy life, it was much too short and his family and friends will miss him.
Peninsula Funeral Home is handling his cremation, and a memorial service to celebrate Gordon's life will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at Peninsula Funeral Home with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.