John Stafford Deering

John S. Deering, 78, a resident of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on November 26, 2025, after a long battle with COPD. Born in Washington, D.C., he is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Diane, his loving son, Shaun (wife Jill) of Arlington, VA, and his beloved dog, Zoey, and grand-dog, Gracie. John is further survived by two brothers-Charles Miley "CB" (wife Debbye) of Midland, VA, and William Douglas "Billy" (wife Nancy) of Naples, FL-along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Kathleen Deering, and his older brother Bobby.

As a senior in high school, John won the Virginia State Trouble-Shooting Contest, earning a full scholarship to General Motors. Though he chose a different path, that achievement remained a proud moment in his life.

John served four years in the U.S. Air Force, spending most of his time in England as a senior flight line crew chief. After completing his service, he earned his Airframe and Power Plant License while working and attending Northern Virginia Community College, where he served as class president. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at American University.

His professional career led him to the Government Accounting Office, where he spent four years in Hawaii with Diane and Shaun, traveling throughout Southeast Asia. He later worked at the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon, and eventually at the U.S. Department of State, where he was involved in drug interdiction and other critical matters, ultimately serving as Director of the Financial Management Division in the Office of Audits.

John's love of cars inspired him to open a small business, Deering Motors, which took him to countless car shows across the D.C. region. He enjoyed buying and selling cars-and especially the conversations and connections that came with it.

Before retiring, he earned his Coast Guard license and launched Shady Side Charters, a charter fishing business he operated in Shady Side, Maryland, for nearly 20 years. John loved being on the water and always had a story to share after each outing.

A celebration of John's life will be held at the Deering home on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 2–5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.