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John Sterling Obituary
John Craig Sterling, born March 30, 1954, died peacefully, Monday, March 18th, at the age of 58. John grew up in Schuyler, NY, earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and his master's degree from Saint Rose College in Albany, NY.
John worked at the NY State Department of Health for more than 30 years. He was also secretary for the Albany Masonic Lodge and an avid volunteer in his community. He recently retired to Indian Harbour Beach, FL, where he continued to volunteer with the local Azan Shrine Temple.
He leaves behind his daughter, Rebecca (Brendan Hughes); son, Carl (Evelyn); and beloved grandson, Ethan Sterling. He also leaves his mother, Carol; brother, Jeff; sister, Lauren Tennant (Scott Staffa); and is predeceased by his father, John M. Sterling. He leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves beloved K9 companions, Jeter and Dolly.
In remembrance of John, the family will hold an open house memorial on Friday, March 22 from 3:00-7:00PM at 952 Flotilla Club Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to: Office of Development, Shriners Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
To see or place an online tribute, please visit www.davisseawinds.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sterling
June & Rick Bender
March 15, 2021
John was a dear friend. He was one of the kindest . He is still thought of and greatly missed!
Dana Muzzy
March 16, 2020
Craig was a life look friend of mine through High School we both grow up in Schuyler, NY. I remeber the times we had in Old Forge and good times we had at an older Bar named Eddy's in Otter Lake. Craig was a good freind that would always be there for anyone who needed a friend, and my prayers contine go out to his children and family.
June Bender
March 15, 2019
I was blessef to meet John Sterling at the Capital District Scleroderma Support Group at Sunnyview Hospital. Je was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I will never forget John. Very sad day when he passed.
March 29, 2013
Rebecca,and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Father Peter Young and the staff at PYHIT
Beverly and Peter Adams
March 27, 2013
We were sorry to hear about John's passing. He helped us with our taxes for several years, coming to our home and charging a very reasonable fee. He was always so cheerful and made the tax chore not so bad. We missed him when he moved to Florida and will definitely miss him now. He was a person we were happy to know.
March 26, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John.He did my taxes for years before his retirement.My deepest sympathies to all of John's Family & friends. Sincerely--Dick Sacher
Patricia Finnegan
March 26, 2013
To the Sterling family: I was in Craig's graduating class at Whitesboro HS. He and I shared several classes together at that time. He was a really kind person. I am truly sad for your loss.
Kathi Montesano-Ostrander
March 25, 2013
I worked with John at the Health Department for a number of years. I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great co-worker, who took his work seriously, but always had time for a smile and a kind word. I remember the Christmas he gave us all a gift of music. We really enjoyed that. I will always think of him with fondness.
June and Neil Reinhardt
March 25, 2013
So sorry to hear about Craig....thoughts and prayers are with the family....
Paul, Beverly, Jessica and Megan Conklin
March 25, 2013
Carol, Lauren, Becky & Carl, We are sorry for your loss. John will be surely missed. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
March 25, 2013
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Craig, as we knew him in school and 4H. I remember those days of 4H meetings at his mom's house, playing with those guinea pigs and all those goofy things kids do at that age. It's tough to see the passing of a classmate and someone close to your age, makes us feel really "mortal" and human. I hope he is at peace now. We will miss you Craig !! RIP John Toukatly
Lauren Tennant
March 25, 2013
I didn't mention that Craig passed with his family by his side & how Becky & Carl had an open house Friday @ there Dad's home. Many of Craigs friends came by to pay there respects. Everyone here in Fl. Have very fond memories. His short time living in FL. Craig Had many friends who I am sure will always remember him for his gentle soul & kindness.
March 25, 2013
Craig is missed dearly as son, father, brother & friend to all that knew him. My brother was the kindest man. Craig enjoyed FL. He continued with his volunteer work with the Shriners helping children in need of medical attention. He often drove sick children & there families to Tampa. He was our Moms rock. Brother Jeff & myself will try to continue with the same routine & loving care he shared with Mom. Craig especially was proud of his daughter Becky, (fiancé Brendon), son Carl, daughter in law Val & his Grandson Ethan meant the world to him!! Craig especially loved his K-9's Jetter & Dolly. He lived life to the fullest. He loved Saratoga race track, dancing, music & socializing. Craig enjoyed his retirement in FL. My Craig rest in peace, we will miss him terribly. Will have fond memories forever, he was to young to leave us.
Carol Ann Fukes-Mahar
March 24, 2013
Carol, Lauren and Family-so sorry to hear of your loss. May memories sustain everyone.
Debra Dylis
March 24, 2013
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Craig's passing. I was one of those lucky people who knew him growing up in Schuyler, NY and had so much fun with him. Whether we were working together on the annual Herkimer County Fair floats for our 4-H club, playing with the guinea pigs at his home or attending a dance at Whitesboro Jr. High and High School, Craig always made sure his friends were having a good time. We became very close when we were taking square dance lessons together for 4-H and when I spoke with him by phone last Spring we had a good laugh remembering those happy times. My heart goes out to his wonderful family; mother, Carol, brother Jeff and his sister, Lauren, as well as to his daughter Rebecca and son Carl. I will think of Craig with love every time I hear "Moonshadow". May God bless you all and keep you in the palm of his hand.
Lorette Calix
March 23, 2013
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know you were close and he was an important part of your and Ethan´s lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dana & Peg Muzzy
March 23, 2013
I am shocked and saddened when I learned of my life long friend Craig's passing. My prayers and my heart filled condolences go out to his daughter Rebecca, son Carl, brother, Jeff Sterling; sister, Lauren Tennant and to his mother Carol. May God bless and comfort all of you in your time of need.
March 23, 2013
So sorry to hear of John's passing from his good friend W Connor we knew John and I also kept upto date on e mail with John God Bless to a nice person who is in heaven.
Helen & Roland Graves
Thomas Townsend
March 23, 2013
This was hard to see. Rebecca you are a great for & to me. If there is ANYTHING I can do, please let me know. Once again I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
Paul Mazzariello
March 22, 2013
I am shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing.He was such a nice guy and I had recently been in touch with him,considering a visit to Fla. My sincere condolences to his family.May you rest in peace John,you were a special man.
Erika Boel
March 22, 2013
Rebecca Im so sorry to read that your dad has passed, my you find peace during this time of need. Much love.
Deborah Wilson-Martin
March 22, 2013
To The Sterling Family,
I was sadden to learn of the passing of John. I worked with him at the Health Department and I can honestly say he was such a wonderful and kind person. I always enjoyed talking to him in the mornings before the hectic day began. My prayers go out to the family. May God bless and give you strength during this difficult time.
Karen Paul
March 22, 2013
Our most sincere condolences to Craig's entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen and Keith Paul
Richard Neimeyer
March 21, 2013
Rebecca, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
June Bender
March 21, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of John Sterling's passing. I met John at the Capital District Scleroderma Support Group Meetings in Schenectady NY. John was always such a kind and special man. Whenever he attended our meetings he was more interested in how everyone else was doing then himself. We spoke on the phone several times after he had moved to Florida. I know he loved being there. My heart goes out to his family. Sincerely, June Bender, Capital District Scleroderma Support Group Leader
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