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John Stant Obituary
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John Walter Stant, Jr. was born to John Walter Stant, Sr. and Ellen Stant (Connolly, Lazzeri) in Dover, Delaware on August 14, 1954.
John attended Holy Cross School, graduating from Holy Cross High School in 1972. Following graduation, John married his high school sweetheart, Marian Stone, in 1973. During the following 25 years, John and Marian welcomed 12 children. John was a devout member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
He worked in the food industry for the majority of his life, first for Lance, and then co-owned S&S Candy, Bonanza Steakhouse, Stone's Buffet and Uno Chicago Grill with his father-in-law, Raymond Stone. Most recently, he shared his passion for delectable foods by inventing and making the vast line of kettle corn offerings at Fifer's Orchards. His ability to create amazing kettle corn earned him the name "Johnny Popper".
John loved basketball, football, and baseball, especially watching as many Eagles and Phillies games as possible. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed the many Christmas offerings of the Hallmark Channel, watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and music events, and making and sharing kettle corn.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen Stant, his in-laws, Helen and Raymond Stone, his daughter, Heather Stant, granddaughter, Carly, and his sister Constance and brother-in-law Jim Dougherty.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marian Stant, his sister, Theresa "Aunt Tipsy" Harris, and 11 of his children and their spouses, John W. Stant III (Karyn), Timothy Stant (Amanda), James Stant (Erin), Mary Elizabeth Boggs (Nicholas), Kathryn Wagner (Christopher), Joseph Stant (Cynthia), William Stant (Lindsey), Maria Stant, Michael Stant (Courtney), Elizabeth Stant (Yunus), Benjamin Stant. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, with one more on the way.
A viewing will be held from 6-8 Monday evening, June 17, 2024 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State Street, Dover. Interment will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to Holy Cross Parish.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Mo Hannah
June 9, 2025
Almost a year since my brother in law passed on to his heavenly reward. I still miss him and think of him often and fondly. I salute my sister Marian for being the stalwart, brave soul she has always been. I know she misses him terribly, as we all do. God bless the Stant family.
John Kozel
June 29, 2024
I will never forget the carved steamship round beef John would server at Holy Cross fundraisers.
Stephen Skabla
June 18, 2024
John and I have known each other for 60 years. John's father and my father had quite a bit of interaction with each other around Dover. I had crowned the nick name "Rebel Yell" on John when we took a trip to Aubrun Alabama. We always kept in touch, and I will miss him dearly. My heart and prayers are with you Marian and all of your family. Your Friend Stephen Skabla
Debbie Wicks
June 16, 2024
We have been friends for such a long time. Bowling was our connection. My husband John and I bowled often in tournaments together. We both have sons almost the same age both named John. Our prayers go out to Marion and the family. RIP John.
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Warren Petri
June 15, 2024
John and I have been friends since we were in diapers together. Greatest person I have ever met.
Warren PETRI
Mo Hannah
June 15, 2024
My brother in law, incredible guy, smart, down to earth, successful in his own businesses, kind, a true Christian, and a wonderful husband to my beautiful younger sister, Marian. I am heartbroken. Gone too soon. Love you, John.
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1145 Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19904
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