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BORN
1939
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
John Sapienza Obituary
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 U.S. 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, Therse; his grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsay, Frank, DJ, Michelle, Jake, Alex and Ian; great grandchildren, Hayden and Addie.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Jana Tschantre.
SERVICES: A Celebration of his Life will be held on Dec. 28, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Road, Exeter. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and may visit with the family on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 from 3 to 7 p.m. 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sapienza
Sponsored by Stockbridge Funeral Home LLC - Exeter.
Shawn & Laurie Walmsley
December 30, 2019
Dear 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
Kathy and Jay Flagg
December 28, 2019
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.
Roger Young
December 28, 2019
John was a great person and a firefighter. May he Rest In Peace.
Kevin Rowe
December 27, 2019
Pat & Family,
John was a wonderful man who gave so much to so many. He will be missed by all. Kevin & Sandy
Judy Budzileni
December 26, 2019
I have some fond memories of summers when the Sapienza family came to Illinois. Condolences to all of you. Rest in peace Uncle John
MaryBeth Merrell
December 25, 2019
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 unexpected death of my husband in August I have moved three hours away and I miss Brenda so so much!!! I'm not sure what I would have done without her when all of this happened in my life. She was my rock. Brenda and I are only 4 months short of being 10 years apart-I am the oldest and I have even been accused of being her mother, but I will tell you no matter what our relationship is, mother, sister, or absolute best friend, thank you for giving her life so she could be in mine!!
May God be with you during the coming days and may "God bless you and keep you and give you peace".
Brenda's Loving Friend,
Mary Beth Merrell
Philip Jaskiewicz
December 24, 2019
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, Captain/EMT/Retired Erie PA City Fire Department.
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.
December 23, 2019
RIP faithful servant You have served NYC and Stratham.
Our sincere sympathy to the family.
Dick & Diana Alsterberg
Peter Wiggin
December 22, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and family. He leaves a wonderful legacy of service to the town.
Peter and Dori Wiggin
Michael and Barbara Wade
December 21, 2019
Barbara and I are saddened by the loss of such a great man. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He was what I would term "a gentle giant." He gave so much to the community and his friends. May he rest in the peaceful knowledge that he was appreciated and loved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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Memorial Events
for John Sapienza
Dec
27
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Stockbridge Funeral Home LLC - Exeter141 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833
Dec
28
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