Photo courtesy of Stockbridge Funeral Home LLC - Exeter
Exeter, New Hampshire
May 6, 1939 – Dec 21, 2019 (Age 80)
John J. Sapienza
Stratham – John J. Sapienza, 80, of Stratham died Saturday, December 21, 2019 at his home.
He was born May 6, 1939 in New York City the son of the late John and Margaret (Flaherty) Sapienza.
He was a Firefighter for the New York Fire Department for 21 years on Engine 22 and Ladder 13 at 159 East 85th Street Station and returned to New York for the recovery efforts for 9/11. He served in the US Navy.
He had resided in Stratham for over 30 years and was very active in the Stratham Fire Department for many years. He also was a member of the Stratham Historical Society.
Family members include his wife, Patricia Sapienza, his children, James Sapienza and his wife, Leslie, Jeffrey Sapienza and his wife, Bernadette, Brenda Tschantre and her husband, Thomas, Richard Nathanson and his wife, Therese, his grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsay, Frank, DJ, Michelle, Jake, Alex and Ian, great grandchildren, Hayden and Addie.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Jana Tschantre.
A Celebration of his life will be held on December 28, 2019 at 11 AM at the Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Road, Exeter. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and may visit with the family on Friday December 27, 2019 from 3-7PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Stratham Historical Society, P.O. Box 39, Stratham, NH. Spring Burial will be in Maple Lane Cemetery, Stratham.
Read MoreDear Pat and family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. John was one of a kind. His memory will always make us smile as he always had something to say that brought a smile! He was always there for us, and was so generous with his time, and knowledge of everything! We will miss him dearly. Thank you for sharing him.
Love the Walmsley Family
Shawn & Laurie Walmsley
December 30, 2019 | Stratham, NH
We miss you already John. Thank you for being a tremendous part of our lives! Your dedication to your FD family will never be forgotten! Rest easy our friend.
Kathy and Jay Flagg
December 28, 2019 | Stratham, NH | Coworker
John was a great person and a firefighter. May he Rest In Peace.
Roger Young
December 28, 2019 | Monroe, NY | Coworker
Pat & Family,
John was a wonderful man who gave so much to so many. He will be missed by all. Kevin & Sandy
Kevin Rowe
December 27, 2019 | Stratham, NH | Friend
I have some fond memories of summers when the Sapienza family came to Illinois. Condolences to all of you. Rest in peace Uncle John
Judy Budzileni
December 26, 2019 | Edwardsville, IL | Family
Mrs Sapienza,
My name is Mary Beth Merrell and your daughter, Brenda, is my best friend!! I was also Michelle's choir teacher in high school when they moved to Elizabeth City. I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief in your life. I'm sure you know what a wonderful daughter you have and she has gone out of her way to prove it to me over and over. Until recently I lived in Elizabeth City. Due to the...
MaryBeth Merrell
December 25, 2019 | Newport, NC | Friend
Want to extend my sincere condolences during your time of loss. Mr. John sounds like the true firefighter,firefighter. Giving of himself to both FDNY and then to your department. He is the true meaning of an Our Town Hero. I am proud to say I served in both career and volunteer departments. Sounds like HE left a great Legacy. Your area should be very proud of John. GOD Bless in your time of loss to you and his family and town. Knowing He is watching over you all. Sincerely, Phil Jaskiewicz,...
Philip Jaskiewicz
December 24, 2019 | Erie, PA | Friend
Soldier Salute Standing Spray
Barbara Sommers
December 24, 2019
Rest in peace Uncle John. You will forever be in my memories when I need comfort. I offer my most sincere condolences to Aunt Pat, Jim, Brenda, Jeff and their families as well as all of Uncle John's dear friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers each day.
Barbara Sommers
December 24, 2019 | Godfrey, IL | Family
