John Frederick Stohrer

1927 - 2015

John Frederick Stohrer, 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at the Merrimack County Nursing Home after a period of declining health.

Born on Aug. 9, 1927, to John Philip and Mabel (Birtwell) Stohrer in Concord, he attended Concord schools until joining the U.S. Navy in 1945. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway on her maiden voyage, which awarded him the honor of "plank owner."

Upon leaving the Navy in 1946, he joined the Army and was assigned to the Army Intelligence unit stationed in Germany. After his military service, he began what would become much of his life's work and passion - education. He attended Plymouth Teacher's College, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1950. He taught high school English at Woodsville High School, then at New London Central School, where he always reminded his students to "push in your chairs."

In 1955, on the urging of his mother, he met the woman who would be the love of his life, Josephine Schmidt of Canterbury. They married two years later. He worked a number of different jobs to support his growing family, and attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating with a Master's Degree in Education in 1967. In addition to education, John was also dedicated to improving care of the developmentally disabled.

His employment included work for the State of New Hampshire as Chief of the Office of Mental Retardation, and co-creator of Guardianship Trust, a groundbreaking group home system for the developmentally disabled. He also chaired a number of national committees benefitting the developmentally disabled and closed head trauma. He was proud to have worked with his friend, ex-Congressman James Cleveland, to draft legislation that would improve the lives of those with mental challenges. That work resulted in the de-institutionalization of thousands of people, and that legacy continues today.

John eventually merged his two areas of interest and went back to work for the State of New Hampshire as a special education investigator and consultant at the NH State Department of Education, where he remained until his retirement at the age of 73.

In addition to his work, John volunteered his time and talents to his home city of Concord. He spent many years coaching Concord's youth in Little League baseball. Win or lose, he was always very proud and supportive of his players. He also served the Concord Board of Education for an impressive 22 years. ("Let's hear it for civic duty!" he often cheered as he headed out to attend board meetings.) One of his favorite pastimes was making his voice heard for education by way of the Editorial section of the Concord Monitor.

As dedicated as he was to his country, state, and city, his family meant everything to him. Visiting family and friends was always of great importance to him. His quick wit and dry sense of humor, along with his wry smile, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John was predeceased by Josephine, his wife of 47 years; and sisters, Phyllis Smith, Martha "Gina" Andrews and Ann Dwinnells.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Johanna and Bill Houman, John P. and Pamela Stohrer, Jennifer and Bradford Warriner, James and Fely Stohrer and Jason and Claudia Stohrer. He is also survived by his brother, James Stohrer and wife, Virginia; brother-in-law, Walter Dwinnells; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He adored his grandchildren, Eric Duntley, Heidi Sargent, Shawn Stohrer, Amanda and Samuel Diaz, Alex Balsamo, Kate and Tristan Warriner and Jack Stohrer; and great-grandchildren, Kaden, Shawn, Samantha and Seth Duntley, and Deandra Sargent.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Ordway Hall at St. Paul's Church in Concord.

He will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Canterbury next to his beloved wife in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made in John's name to the veterans' or children's charitable organization of your choice.

Arrangements are being made by the Cremation Society of New Hampshire.