John Stoia Obituary
Stoia was born on July 17, 1922, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Transylvanian immigrants, Seana and John J. Stoia. After completing high school, he served in the Navy during WWII. He married Virginia M. Cotman on July 6, 1946, and began working for Northwestern Mutual. The couple moved to Tulsa in 1956, where he served as General Agent for the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas for 30 years. Stoia retired at age 65, but returned immediately as an agent emeritus and continued working until his death. In all, he was employed by the company for 61 years.
He and his family started the Jayne Anne Stoia Educational Foundation in 1974 in memory of a daughter who was killed in an automobile accident while traveling from Florida to Tulsa during college break.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia M. Stoia; six children, Susan Edlinger of Canoga Park, Calif., Kathy Stoia of Tulsa, Michelle Stoia of San Diego, Calif., John J. Stoia Jr. of San Diego, Patrick Stoia of Lakeland, Fla., and Mark Stoia of Shalimar, Fla.; two sisters, Lenora Sweet of Milwaukee, Wis., and Mary Jane Hotop of Sandwich, Ill.; two brothers, Dennis Stoia of Somonauk, Ill., and Vi Stoia of Aberdeen, S.D.; and 13 grandchildren.
Friends are making memorial contributions to the Jayne Ann Stoia Educational Foundation, c/o Triad Bank, 15th and Lewis, Tulsa, OK 74105.
A Rosary service was Tuesday, Dec. 18, and a Funeral Mass was Wednesday, Dec. 19, both at St. Mary's Catholic Church under the direction of Stanleys Funeral Service.
To view and sign the online guestbook go to: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Carolyn Kane Snively
December 20, 2007
John was a good friend of mine as well as my husband,Matt Kane. He was especially kind to me when Matt passed away. He will be missed.
John Kane
December 18, 2007
Rest in peace. You were a good friend to my grandparents, my parents, me, and my kids.
Richard Thompson
December 18, 2007
I met Mark Stoia at Oklahoma State University, I beleive in the summer of 1973, and we immediately became very good friends. Not long afterwards, I met most of Marks' family including his Dad, John and his wonderful mother, Virginia. I was immediately struck at how outgoing, smart and successful Mr. Stoia was, and also what a wonderful family of brothers and sisters he had. Being in the insurance business myself, I enjoyed many visits through the years with Mr. Stoia about the insurance business and life in general. He had a lot of wisdom, along with some great stories to share. He was a Great Man, with a Great personality, and will be dearly missed by all that knew him and loved him. My heartfelt condolences to Mark, and the whole Stoia Family.
Sincerely, Rick Thompson
larry schreier
December 18, 2007
what a great role model.
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