John Stack Obituary
JOHN M.
Of Mt. Lebanon, age 53, suddenly on Monday, August 12, 2002, beloved husband of Patricia (McCarten) Stack; loving father of Emily and Christopher; son of Henry and Anne (Valitutti) Stack; brother of Henry Stack, Christine Stack and Lisa Locke. Mr. Stack graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and Wheeling Jesuit College; he completed his Masters Degree at West Virginia University. He was a National Sales Consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc. and a member of St. Winifred Parish in Mt. Lebanon. Funeral Arrangements by BEINHAUERS, Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, Peters Twp. (724) 941-3211 Thursday and Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian burial St. Winifred Church, 550 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Mt. Lebanon, Saturday 11 a.m. (Everyone please meet at the church). Inurnment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Catholic Charities, Development Department, 212 9th St., Pgh. PA 15222-3507 OR Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, c/o PNC Bank, P. O. Box 535240, Pgh. PA 15253-9926.
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Peg Mallin
September 9, 2002
Dear Patricia and Family,
I was shocked today (9/9) when I learned of John's death. John was a delight to know. I met him during one of his many visits to Erie. I always considered him my friend. John became synonymous with Sadlier. Whenever I went to a conference, I always looked up the Sadlier display knowing that John would be there. I will miss him. Be assured of my prayers during this most difficult time.
Peg Mallin
Erie, PA
Sr. Lydia Schneider, IM
August 25, 2002
Dear Patricia and Family,
Please know that my prayers are with you in this difficult moment! There are no words that can assuage the suffering of the loss of John. We only have our faith that tells us he has been born to new life and that you will see him again.
Blessings of peace,
Sr. Lydia Schneider, IM
Director Catechetical Ministries
Diocese of Monterey, CA
Sister Marilupe Mier y Teran, HMSS
August 23, 2002
Death is not extinguishing the lamp: it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.
Saint John of the Cross Catholic School, staff, students and parents, united in prayer with you.
Sims Wyeth
August 22, 2002
Dear Stack Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I knew John only briefly, when he and I met at a Sadlier training event. He struck me as a generous contributor to his colleagues, a powerful speaker, and a man who was determined to be open, fair, and involved. It was a thrill to spend a few days with him.
Sincerely,
Sims Wyeth
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Jim McGlumphy
August 22, 2002
Pat & Children:
My sympathy to you.
Pat, your wedding brings back fond memories to me - it was a great celebration! I saw John only a few times after we taught together at Central. He always made me laugh.
May his sense of humor live through you and the children.
Katie Dayhoff
August 22, 2002
Mrs. Stack, Emily, and Christopher-
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Although I didn't know Mr. Stack, from what I've read on these pages, he must have been a wonderful man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
-Katie Dayhoff
Dorothy Graeham
August 21, 2002
To Pat and children. I was shocked and saddened on my return to Pittsburgh to hear of John's death. I was fortunate to work with him at Little Lake on a few occasions, and what fun he always brought with him. My deepest sympathy to you all. Dorothy Graeham
Susie McGregor-Laine
August 21, 2002
It has been many, many years since I met John out at Little Lake Theatre but how well I remember his wonderful sense of humor and great sense of comedic timing. Pat and family, I offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of John. My thoughts and deepest sympathy go to you all.
With love, Susie.
Donna Joas
August 21, 2002
To John's Family,
John's enthusiam about life, his faith and his God was an inspiration. I will always remember John's smile and great sense of humor. After one of his presentations I told him, "If I was not already a Catholic, you surely would convert me to be one." Now he is safely home and in God's loving care.
I will keep John and your family in my prayers.
God be with you!
Donna L. Joas, DRE
Sacred Heart, Racine, Wisconsin
Anne, Mick, Richard, Jenny, Ellen and Deborah Platts
August 20, 2002
John was a great friend and neighbor. Our lives were enriched by his sense of fun and style. We feel privileged to have been invited into his (immense) social circle and will always look back on the time spent in his company with a smile.
Harry Dudley
August 20, 2002
John will be especially missed. He brought so much to the ministry of catechesis by his presentations and his involvement at NCCL meetings. We will all miss him very much.
Jim Kemna
August 20, 2002
John was an inspiration to us here in the rural diocese of Jefferson City. He gave a wonderful presentation in January and the people were looking forward to his return in October. We are saddened at the loss of a fine man and a shining example of christian discipleship.
Barbara Schveidler
August 19, 2002
To The Stack Family,
I wish that I could express in words all that your husband and father has done to inspire and educate all of us who had the privilege of being present at several of John's presentations here in Wisconsin. I am sure I speak for many catechists and DREs
when I say he will be missed but never forgotten.I know John will continue to care for you from his home in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Barbara Schveidler
DRE Christ King, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Linda Kaiser
August 19, 2002
We hold your family in our prayers. John did so much for Catholic education throughout the United States.
Medicine Shoppe Penn Hills
August 19, 2002
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Maureen Moser
August 18, 2002
Dear Patricia, Emily, and Chris,
Know that those of us in the Archdiocese of New Orleans are better catechist for having met John. Thanks so very much for sharing him with all of us. Know, too, that our students will be praying for your entire family. Prayerfully and gratefully, Maureen Moser - CRE, St. Robert Bellarmine, Arabi, LA 70032
Cede Catanzaro
August 18, 2002
To the family of John,
I offer you my sincere sympathy. I was out of town last week and unable to offer my prayers and support at the funeral home. I am the former DRE from St. Thomas More Parish and dear John always wanted to "convert me" - to Sadlier, of course. We did a lot of teasing about that. John was a terrific and talented guy. May prayers be your strength.
(Fr.) Anthony Salim
August 18, 2002
AS a member of NCCL's Board of Directors I wish to offer my sincere condolences ad my prayers for John's rest and your comfort.
Lee Nagel
August 17, 2002
To John's Family,
John was man who could light up a room. He carried within him the depth of one who believed and wanted to share the good news that life was a gift from God. John's creativity was a gift that he shared often and with reckless abandon in the sense that he lived life in a manner that he could go to bed without regrets.
I have both worked with John as a presenter at conferences as well as had him speak in our diocese to our teachers and catechists. As I shared the news of his death people kept saying that he was so creative, so full of energy and so kind. He leaves us with a rich legacy.
I know this cannot take away your pain but I want you to know that I believe your husband/father, son, sibling, friend, colleague is resting in the arms of the Creator who knew him and loved him before he was even born. John's love for all of you which has been a witness to us for all these years is now shared and as it is shared it grows. May you feel the impact he had on our lives and may all that goodness comfort you in this time of sorrow and pain.
Please be assured of our prayers now and in these upcoming weeks.
Lee Nagel, Director of Total Catholic Education
Diocese of Green Bay, WI
Sister Mary Emma Jochum
August 17, 2002
John has always been an example of real faithfilled and dedicated person in spreading the Good News in his presentations and in his commitmant to the Sadlier Family Co. I met him due to the Sadlier people. They all were convinced of their ministry as publishers and salesmanship. I shall miss him at our national conference of NCCL. May he enjoy the breathes of God's peace. With Sympathy to his family. Sr. Mary Emma
Christine Treacy-Fagan
August 17, 2002
Being the daughter of a Sadlier employee,(and for a few summers an employee myself, I had heard about JOHN STACK. He was described as a enthusiastic man who loved his family and his work in the area of religion. I had also heard what a great presentator he was. I am greatfull to be able to reaffirm that statement. I had the wonderful pleasure of taking John's workshop at the NCEA conference in Atlantic City. I had wanted to write to John and tell him that it was the best workshop I went to that conference. His energy and excitement in teaching religion reaffirmed for my why I still choose after 10 years to continue teaching in a catholic school. john also shared with us many fantastic ideas which I plan to implement this year into my teaching. As some else already mentioned, John had a very moving but simple prayer service during the workshop for the victims of 9/11. In it, he gave all present, a lamb with a person's name on it who had perished. We were to place the name somewhere and pray for that person everyday. I brought it back to my classroom and we did just that I will add John's name to that lamb and pray for the Stack family and all who had the pla\easure of knowing him.
Sr. Marilyn McMillin
August 16, 2002
Mr. Stack was an absolutely delightful person who made it so much fun to learn about God. Whether he was conducting a workshop or speaking with you one on one, he made you feel special. His deep beliefs were contagious not so much by what he said but by who he was. A truly marvelous human being just entered eternity. I thank his family for sharing him with so many others.
Paula Axford
August 16, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Christopher,
When John visited our parish just two weeks ago, he taught our catechists to remember all of those who have gone before us with a "Book or Rememberence" for our classrooms. He also, gave each of us a card with a sheep bearing the picture and name of one of the many victims from the September 11th terrorist attack on our nation and encouraged each of us to prayer for this victim and his/her family as well as our nation. I would like you to know that I printed John's photo from the web-site and put him a sheep that I traced from his original. His name, and yours', are now in our own "Book of Rememberence". My family's thoughts and prayers will remain with John and his family. He touched my heart deeply with his fire of the Spirit and I promise to carry his torch in my own vocation as wife, mother and teacher. He will be remembered and lives on in you and all of those that he touched. With much love, gratitude and sadness, Your sister in Christ, Paula Axford
Eileen Hawthorne
August 16, 2002
Pat and Children
My deepest sorrow goes out to you and your family and to John's parents and siblings also. John's pleasant personality always seem to rub off on others when they were in his company. I'm very sorry I didn't get to the funeral home today as something came up at the last minute. I will be attending his funeral on Saturday.
In Sympathy
Eileen Hawthorne
St. Winifred Parish
Loyes Spayd
August 16, 2002
John was clearly one of the bright lights in my time in Pittsburgh when I was in the diocesan office of religious education and he continued to be a good friend and supportive after I came to Baltimore. My deepest sympathy and prayers to his lovely family whom I have met. You have lost a great husband and dad and we have lost a fine friend and gifted catechist.
Sister Gloria DeJesús, EFMS
August 16, 2002
I am so sorry to hear about John! Know that you are all held in loving prayer... By now I am sure John had held his first "catechetical" meeting in heaven and is telling everybody a wonderful story as to how he got there! Take courage... and as you see a twinkling star.. know it is John smiling on us all. Blessings,love and prayers
Charlene O'Connell
August 16, 2002
Dear Mrs. Stack and Family,
I would like to express the prayers and condolences for you and your family. I am certain that the both the Sadlier family and the catechetical community have lost a wonderful servant of the Lord.
Prayers and thoughts,
Charlene O'Connell and Staff,
Diocese of Austin Catechetical Office
Norman Howard
August 16, 2002
Because of John, the world is a better place. His place is vacant now, but his blessings linger. With sincere regards.
Tom Cervone
August 16, 2002
Dearest Pat and Family:
I am so very sorry. Although it has been a few years since we all laughed together, the empty feeling that overcame me when i heard the news remains palpable, deep, painful. You and John were such great and generous friends during my "transition" time, and for that, i have always been grateful. You and the children, as well as John's family, remain in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry i cannot be there to celebrate John's life, because my memories will always be of John living life to its fullest. "Good night, sweet prince, and let flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
Tom Cervone
Fanny C. Pedraza
August 16, 2002
To the Stack family:
I deeply regret the loss of your loved one, a fine catechetical minister. My prayers are with you all so you may find the peace and strength you need at this time.
In Christ,
Fanny C. Pedraza
Diocese of Galveston-Houston
Palma and Craig Warner
August 16, 2002
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. What memories we have. No one could tell a story like John. How he made us laugh. We were remembering some of his tales. I know that your great memories will get you through these trying times.
Nancy Fischer, SSJ
August 16, 2002
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
We in Erie, knew and loved John well and we are deeply saddened and stunned at his loss. He was such a gentlemen. Know of our deep prayers for you and your family.
Kim, Linda and Rick Minnotte
August 16, 2002
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of John. Kim certainly enjoyed Emily's birthday parties and a lot of it was due to John's personality and love of children. We all will keep you in our prayers.
Michael Steier
August 16, 2002
Please accept my condolances and promise of prayers for John and his family.
Sincerely
Dr. Michael Steier
Secretary for Evangelization & Catechetical Formation
Diocese of Camden
Dennis Myers
August 16, 2002
Of all the people I have known in my life, none lived life to the fullest or exhibited such a joy of being as you, John. This world is going to be emptier without you. I imagine that things will become a little livelier up in Heaven, once you’ve had an opportunity to get the parties organized. Farewell, my friend, we will miss you mightily and remember you always.
Kenneth Gleason
August 16, 2002
To the Stack Family:
John meant a lot to the catechetical community of the United States. I have been at various presentations he made over the years and have always been grateful to have a person such as John so committed to catechesis. I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate all that John did.
Ken Gleason
Director, Office of Religious Education
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Dan and Judy Ebbert
August 16, 2002
Our family was sorry to hear the news of John Mike. We regret that we will be unable to attend the funeral, but would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Stack Family.
Peggy Boultinghouse
August 15, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily, and Christopher,
To know John was to know pure delight. I met John through my sister who worked at Sadlier. One weekend we traveled to Pittsburgh to see John perform in a one man play. I can't remember what it was about, because all I did was laugh through the entire thing.
As I was a graduate of Notre Dame John challenged me to attend the N.D./Pitt game. We of course first attended the infamous parking lot party. My memory of the game consists of seing a large Pitt flag waving back and forth, propelled by the one and only John Stack. It's probably the only N.D. game I ever attended that part of me was actually rooting for the other team.
We must now return the gift of John to his original sender. How we enjoyed him while he was here.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings.
Carol Augustine
August 15, 2002
It was my privilege to know John in two capacities. As a Diocesan Director I saw the many ways that John catechized our parish and school catechists. His deep faith and love of family would shine through all of his presentations. Our people were better catechists for having known John. As President of NCCL I also witnessed his deep commitment and contribution to the national catechetical scene and to the work of NCCL.
John brought life to all he did may he now experience the risen Lord's promise of new life. May you his family be comforted by this promise and by your loving memories of him.
The prayers of the catechists of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the members of NCCL are with you.
Patricia McGinley
August 15, 2002
The Office of Catechetical Ministries in the Diocese of Las Vegas mourns the loss of this great man of God whose depth of holiness was evident in ...
...his love of Pat, Emily and Christopher
...his faith in a loving and present God
...his faithfulness to Roman Catholicism
...his commitment to the Wm. H. Sadlier family and its ministries
...his ability to embrace all of God's creation
...his love for life in all its fullness
Sister Pat McGinley, Andrea Owen and Katie Breeden share the intensity of his felt absence with everyone. May the sure and certain hope of Resurrection fill each heart with peace as we pray "VERY WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT". We love you, John Stack.
Jeanne Schneider
August 15, 2002
You are in my prayers. I have attended many of John's talks. He was truly gift to the Religious Formation community. He will be missed but his thoughts will continue.
Peace,
david wyatt
August 15, 2002
always a friend
Sr. Shaun Kathleen Wilson, OSF
August 15, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Chris,
Know that I am with you in loving prayer. John's humor,unique creativity, concern for others and spiritual depth have been and always will be gift to me and to the Church. Blessings upon you!
Sr. Shaun Kathleen, OSF
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters
(Formerly - Office of Religious Education:Diocese of Trenton)
Catherine LaDisa
August 15, 2002
I had the privilege of attending one of John's workshops and will always remember his enthusiasm and love of the Church which came through loud and clear. May God grant him the gift promised to all who teach His word, "they will shine as stars." God bless his wife and family and cover them with His love.
Carol Kruskamp
August 15, 2002
Mrs. Stack and family,
Please accept our sympathy and prayers. John will always be remembered as a dynamic, spirit filled man. We who were fortunate enough to attend his presentations will always have a bit of John's wisdom. wit, knowledge and faith to share with others. No presentation by John was complete without his sharing his experiences with his delightful family! All who met John were blessed by his presence. Prayerfully yours,
The Religious Education Staff of St. Oliver Plunkett Snellville Georgia
Sister Alice Gallagher
August 15, 2002
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time of great sorrow. I always enjoyed meeting John at workshops.
Terry Spina
August 15, 2002
To the family of John Stack,
It was only a few months ago that St. Mel's catechists had the pleasure of John at a Sadlier workshop. We were filled with shock and great sadness to hear of his death. John's charisma, energy and great love were visible in all his presentations. We know his family was close to his heart even when he was away from home by how he always mentioned you all. We pray that this strong love will help you all during this difficult time.
Kit Johansen
August 15, 2002
Dear Pat,Emily & Christopher,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. How much John loved you and talked of you often. He is always with you.
I am now working in a school and parish in Florida. We have Mass each Friday with the school children. We will have a Mass offered for John and share with them the special person he was.
I have so many wonderful memories of the joy John brought to so many.
Blessings to all of you,
Kit Johanswn
DRE, Sacred Heart Parish
Sadlier Consultant
Rick Smith
August 15, 2002
Even though I met John only a couple of times, he impressed me with his wit, intelligence, and enthusiasm. My deepest sympathy to the Stack family.
Cindy Zemcik
August 15, 2002
Dear Family,
It is the desire of every person alive to make a difference in the world. May you find some peace in knowing that John made a difference in the world. His joy and love of God family and life was contagious. His generosity with his time and talents will not be forgotten. He was an inspiration to me. You are in my prayers.
Ron Wisniski
August 15, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Christopher,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. We all shared so many laughs and good times back in the day at Pitt and South Park and your Oscar parties rivaled anything they come up with in Hollywood. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen Kutz
August 15, 2002
To the Family of John Stack:
Please accept deepest sympathy and prayers. In this time of your great sadness, may you know the powerful presence of God through the love and support of others. May God give you abundant peace.
Marian O'Neil
August 15, 2002
God bless the family and assist them in their grief. John lived a good life and now has all the answers for which we are searching.
Joe Goggin
August 15, 2002
Dear Mrs. Stack and Family,
How saddened and shocked I was to hear of John's untimely death. He was one of my most favorite people, a wonderful friend, and a most delightful presenter. I remember him most as a dedicated father who spoke lovingly of his wife and children during his presentations. He was always so willing to give of himself to others. I pray now that his family and friends can bear up during this most difficult time. John loved his trade and was one of Sadlier's best. I shall miss him dearly. Joe Goggin, Director of Religious Education, St. Mary's Church, Annapolis, Maryland.
Christina Flum
August 15, 2002
John was a wonderful gift to Religious Education. He was so full of love for the ministry and his family, they both came out in each presentation. I am proud to have called him friend. The Diocese of Erie will miss him. I send you my peace and prayers at this time.
Mary Kay Cullinan
August 15, 2002
To the Stack Family:
The Diocese of Metuchen, NJ has lost a great friend. John was just with us in the spring presenting strategies for teaching children about social justice issues. Of course, anyone who knew John and his presentations, they weren't just presentations. They were experiences of a man who loved his family and his faith. John witnessed and entertained and laughed and loved. We will feel a void especially when our Catechetical Congress comes around in November. John was to be our keynote speaker.
Know that you are continually in our prayers and our hearts.
Ann Enderle Liska
August 15, 2002
Dear Mrs. Stack and Family,
I was at a workshop in DuBois, Pa conducted by John in 2001. John shined with his love for his faith, his family, and his ministry. His enthusiasm was contagious. You are in my prayers.
Carol Hoffman
August 15, 2002
Christ Peace
Bernadette Kieninger
August 15, 2002
Know my prayers are with you during the days ahead. Bernadette
Rosemary Walker
August 15, 2002
Pat, I am so sorry to hear about John's untimely death. I have many fond memories and stories of John from the time he worked with me many years ago here at Peter Li up until the last time I saw him at the OCEA in October.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, Emily and Christopher.
Take care,
Rosemary Walker
15 August 2002
Julie Tumas
August 15, 2002
Dear Mrs. Stack,
Although I did not know Mr. Stack, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! If he was anything like you, Mrs. Stack, the world just lost a wonderful man.
Ruth Fleming
August 14, 2002
So sorry to hear of John's death. He will be missed by all.
Sandy Soulek
August 14, 2002
I'm so sorry. What a shock. He will be missed. I liked to tease him about coming to Oklahoma the year we had the bad tornado. He will be truly missed
Pat and Bill Herigan
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat and family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as we try to comprehend this great loss. We met John in 1985 on "The Roof" at Pitt football games. We were two strangers from Harrisburg whom John welcomed into his circle of love and friendship. After our daughter graduated from Pitt, one main reason we kept going to Pitt games was to see John. We always looked forward to his great sense of humor. We will always remember the tailgating theme parties he organized, the Queen of the Roof competitions, and his unwavering support of the football team...How he loved Pitt football...He was the ultimate fan! We remember how proud he was of his family. We watched his children grow as each year he would share the latest photos of Emily and Christopher with us. The world is a better place because of John. Like so many others, we loved him and will miss him...our trips to Pittsburgh will never be the same again.
Lynn Bullions
August 14, 2002
To the Stack Family,
John will be missed. He touched many, many lives. I was lucky to have known him for almost twenty years starting with a Blue and Gold Panther game and growing to include many years in Section 2 at Pitt Stadium, his and Pat's Oscar Parties and the best tailgates at the University of Pittsburgh. He had a gift for making people feel good and creating magical times.
Nardi Obarski
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat,
You and John were Pittsburgh friends I've had longer than anybody. My love is here for you and Emily and Christopher. If they need an extra Babci, they got one. I feel really priviledged to have known such a remarkable man. It's a good thing I sold the house, because this photography studio would not be any good without the brillance of his direction.
My love and prayers are with you.
Nardi
Sister Kathleen Durkin, SSJ
August 14, 2002
Dear Stack Family,
My prayers for your peace and consolation are with you as you grieve the loss of John. He was a dear friend and colleague at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling. What joy and fun he brought to life along with many other gifts that he shared so ably and professionally. What a tender heart he had along with his great humor which made me laugh til I cried. May his is spirit live through you!
Prayerfully,
Sister Kathleen Durkin
Dawn Kidney
August 14, 2002
Our deepest Sympathy to all of John's family, friends and co-workers. We at Immaculate Conception Parish will miss him greatly.
Sr. Joan Meyer
August 14, 2002
To the Family and Firends of John:
Prayers and sympathy at the death of a wonderful man. He will be greatlyly missed.
Anne Marie Hallinan
August 14, 2002
To the dear family of John Stack, Our faculty is shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. We had the privilege of being educated and entertained through his faith sharing and his talents. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the lessons of life,John taught so well. Anne Marie Hallinan/ Mother Seton School
Sr. Arlene Boyd
August 14, 2002
Although I did not know John, having read the touching and tender remarks by those who loved him I do have a sense of what a wonderful man he must have been. I will remember him and his family in prayer.
Karen Streett
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Christopher,
It was a joy knowing your husband and father for the past twenty years in my work with Religious Education in the Diocese of Erie. We all loved John here and always looked forward to his visits and seeing him at conferences. We feel like we know you too, because he ALWAYS talked about his family with so much love, pride and joy. No words can alleviate your grief, but please find some comfort in knowing that John played a large part in making the world a better place for all of us who knew him. I am so sorry and will keep all of you in my prayers.
Sr. Jeanne Marie Guerin, shcj
August 14, 2002
John Stack was a great witness to Christ. My sympathy to his family.
Sr. Jeanne Marie Guerin, shcj. New Orleans
Joseph Streett
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Christopher - though we have never met personally we here in the Diocese of Erie feel we know you well. Never a did an occasion with John go by that you were not remembered in the conversation. For all of the lives that John touched outside of your home, and it is many, you were always his first love and his last word! Please know that you do not grieve alone and that our prayers are with you.
Sr. Betty Flaherty
August 14, 2002
My prayers and sympathy are with you. John was a wonderful friend and support to those of us in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Chris Malmevik
August 14, 2002
To the family, friends and colleagues of John Stack,
Deepest sympathy and prayers. John had inspired our diocese's catechists and will surely be missed. May you feel God's presence and comfort during this sad time.
Pat Martin
August 14, 2002
I was the person coordinating John's keynote address on November 9th in Metuchen. I spoke to him on Friday afternoon. He spoke of a happy family vacation, and was looking forward to 'doing' more presentations.
I still have one of his silly lambs on my desk...he touched many lives in a most positive way.
Pam Coster
August 14, 2002
I knew John through his workshops, and I carry with me the inspiration of his creativity, love of God, and positive energy. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences.
Betty Kameron
August 14, 2002
Mr. Stack's family and friends are in the prayers of all of us at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. John enlivened our minds and hearts with his spirit and dedication as he led us in training days and seminars. We will not forget his love of his church and how wonderfully he spoke of his family! May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand.
Kinko's South Hills
August 14, 2002
To the Family of John Stack,
We are deeply sadden to hear the news of John's passing. He was a valued customer to Kinko's. His energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
The Staff at Kinko's
Sr. Celeste Arbuckle
August 14, 2002
John was such a great heard of faith to all of us. His energy, stories, presence brought Christ alive. The Archdiocese of San Francicso will truly miss him but knows he is with God. Our prayers are with the family, friends and those at Sadlier. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Barbara Parks
August 14, 2002
To John's Family:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and prayers on John's passing. I knew him through several catechetical seminars: I'll never forget his devotion to Jesus and the Church. John was always so helpful to our CCD Program at St. Peter, North Side. He will be sorely missed!!
Alicia Alvarez
August 14, 2002
The prayers of the Catechetical Staff of the Diocese of Lubbock are with John's family, as well as with the Sadlier family.
Sr. Carmelita Latiolais
August 14, 2002
My prayers are with the family. John was a well-loved educator.
Dan John
August 14, 2002
The catechists of the Diocese of Salt Lake City have lost a great friend and a great inspiration. John was the epitome of a catechist; nobody else could see three pieces of cloth and turn them into a short play about a Saint.
When I heard the news, I informed our Vicar General and we celebrated Mass for John. Truly, his enthusiasm for storytelling...and our faith...will live long beyond our mortal bodies.
Please know that I will keep John in my Morning and Evening Prayers and I hope the best for his family.
God Bless Us All!
Ann Pinckney
August 14, 2002
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sister Miriam Eble
August 14, 2002
Dear Family of John Stack,
On behalf of the Diocese of Toledo, OH, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to each of you. During the past two years, John gave many wonderful workshops throughout our diocese. Earlier, he served us as our dynamic, selfless Sadlier textbook representative.
We will miss John deeply. R.I.P.
Sister Stella Gough, OSB
August 14, 2002
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH JOHN'S FAMILY AND THE SADLIER FAMILY AT THE DEATH OF THIS DEDICATED AND WONDERFUL CHRISTIAN. JOHN WAS A GREAT GIFT TO THE CHURCH.
Dr Cris V. Villapando
August 14, 2002
Dear Family and Friends of John,
I was stunned to hear of John's death but I believe the Lord will take care of consoling all the people John loves. John has been a tremendous gift to our catechists in the Diocese of Charlotte, in the Atlanta Province, and in the NCCL. He lives!
With Prayers,
Cris V. V.
Marilyn Krawczyk
August 14, 2002
Dear Patricia and Family--
I am one of the many people who knew John through his creative work with Sadlier. I truly admired him for his deep faith as expressed through his energetic and original presentations.We will all miss him. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers as you go through these difficult days.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Peters Krawczyk
jeanne brady
August 14, 2002
I have known John for at least 10 years, as a colleague in catechetical work, and been entertained by him often. He was a sincere, compassionate, and very "real" person, whether acting as salesperson, host, or fellow worker. We will miss him in the catechetical community. My prayers are with you all.
Jeannine Leichner
August 14, 2002
Dear Stack Family,
I am very sorry to hear of John's death. He was such an enthusiastic and talented catechist. His presentations in the Diocese of San Jose were absolutely wonderful and so valuable to the catechists.
May you be comforted by the prayers of all those who knew him.
Jeannine Leichner
Don Kurre
August 14, 2002
Know that I will remember you in my prayers.
Linda Donovan
August 14, 2002
To the Stack family,
What an incredible loss you have experienced. John was one of the most generous and gifted men I know who did a trememdous job of making people feel special and going out of his way to do anything he could to help. He was also a gifted educator. His love for his family was always evident in the stories he shared about you. He will be sadly missed.
Maureen O'Reilly
August 14, 2002
Dear Friends,
As Director of the Office for Catechetics/Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Detroit, I want to express the prayerful sympathies of all our Office as well as the many catechetical leaders throughout our Archdiocese, whose lives have been beautifully touched over the years by the loving spirit of your dear Husband, Father, Son and Brother. We want you to know that John and all of you are in our prayers. May our Good Shepherd, who knows personally what both Death AND Resurrection mean, give you deep peace in the midst of your grief. with all our love, The Office for Catechetics/Religious Education -- Sr. Kathleen Matz, CDP; Patricia Mueller; Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP; Kathy Tomaszewski; Debi Piontkowski; Marcia Tinik-Roginski
Carol Robinson
August 14, 2002
Prayers and Condolences to the Stack family from the Diocese of Tulsa.
karen smith
August 14, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. I had the privilege of hearing John speak at the NCEA Confernece in Atlantic City earlier this year. I know John will be missed by those of us in Catholic education.
Diana Disney-Wheat
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat,Emily,and Chris,
I was so saddened by the passing of
your beloved husband and father. I
have so many nice memories of John-
in the theatre and his famous Oscar
Parties. He always seemed to me to
be a very humerous, sensitive and
loving man. One memory stands out
in my mind. Emily, when you were
very young, you were in a show at
the So.Hills for Performing Arts. My
grandaughter was also in that show.
I saw your parents and John had a
beautiful bouquet of long stemmed
roses. I lamented that I had not
thought to bring flowers for my
grandaughter. John suddenly began
pulling out some roses for me to
give to Caitlyn. I thought that was
such a kind thing for him to do and
was so surprised anyone would do that for me. Well, that was the kind of man he was. I regret that I will not be in town for the service.
My love and prayers will be with you
all. Sincerely, Diana Disney Wheat
Lauri Przybysz
August 14, 2002
John was one of the best religious educators I ever had the pleasure to meet. He will be greatly missed in the Church.
Tim and Stacey Ford
August 14, 2002
Dear Pat, Emily and Christopher,
From the first time we met John 12 years ago, until now, we have called him friend. If it weren't for John, Tim never would have had the Sadlier experience that was a tremendously meaningful time for our family. Shock seems too small a word to express our reaction to this tragedy. We will never forget him, and will continue to pray for you all! We have laughed and cried these last few days recounting our memories of him and of your special family. He is irreplaceable, and we are greatful to have known him, a true disciple of Christ! Love and prayers, The Ford Family
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