John Stahl Heist

John Stahl Heist... born 1936 in Jacksonville, Florida… to parents, Edward and Mary Stahl, both from eastern Pennsylvania. At age 6, John and brother Edward boarded the train to Tucson where, with their mother, they spent the next several years. During these years John learned to ride bareback, brand calves, and milk cows. His bicycle allowed him freedom to roam the entire area of Tucson. At age 15 he returned full time to Jacksonville to finish his schooling. He attended The Darlington School, Dupont High School and graduated from The Bolles School. He attended The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he was the Coxswain of the crew team. Graduating from Jacksonville University in 1959 he managed the Jacksonville Trade Mart, a part of the port of Jacksonville. Here he met his future wife, Ann, who was working for a port magazine with offices in the building.

Married in 1960, he went to work for Olivetti. Shortly thereafter, he joined the National Cash Register Company where he was to spend the next few years. The couple moved to Ohio, Michigan and later to Los Angeles, where he ran the data center for the region. In 1966, the couple moved to Ormond Beach, deciding to open a clothing store on Granada Avenue. After a few successful years, John and his father-in-law Walter K. Smith, architect, drew up plans for a second building with more retail space available. Named Fountain Square, this shopping village came to house a fine French Restaurant along with Casa Granada. John became known for his technical prowess and he remained a "teckie" all his life.

He closed Casa Granada in 1995 and sold Fountain Square to its tenants in 1998. Travel became his great interest as the couple had made many trips with their daughter previously. He was always on the lookout for either a new piece of technology or a new trip where he and his wife could take a month or two.

A romantic at heart, he was a great wit with a loving soul, a caring father, and a loyal and faithful husband. John loved clouds, boats, his four grandchildren and the world around him. He is predeceased by his brother Edward and both parents. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda C. Grant of Ridgefield, CT, and grandchildren Arden, Barrett, Bryn, and Carys.

His funeral will be private at the convenience of the family, arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, Warwick, RI.