John B. Stenclik

Obituary of John B. Stenclik

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John Bronislaus Stenclik

September 25, 1928

October 20, 2025

97 years of age

John Bronislaus Stenclik died peacefully of natural cases October 20, 2025, at age 97, after a brief stay at Highland Hospital comfort care. At his side were his wife of 74 years, Stephanie (Dec) Stenclik, and other family members.

John was a devoted husband, father, dziadzia, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. In addition to his wife, John leaves behind his daughters and sons-in law, Benson and Teresa (Terry Stenclik Hunter) Sheally, John and Mary Ellen (Stenclik) Manfred, grandchildren Claire (Hunter) Schmidt, Adam (Calvin) Hunter, Sarah Manfred, Katherine Manfred, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

"Big John" attended Edison Technical High School (Rochester NY) and the Progressive Photography School (New Haven CT). At an early age, John served in the US Navy on the destroyer USS Bristol, deployed to the Mediterranean, 1946 – 1948.

Following his military service, John worked at Eastman Kodak Company for almost 40 years.

A lifetime member of St. Stanislaus Church, John served the church in many ways, from being an altar server, usher, lay reader, Bingo caller, festival worker and pierogi maker extraordinaire, to being an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Society and Parish Council. Always willing to assume a leadership role, John organized the popular Polka Dances at the parish hall and organized the 100 th anniversary celebration of St. Stanislaus School.

John also served on many civic organizations, including the Polish Falcons (physical instructor, recording secretary and camp leader), Rochester-Krakow Sister Cities Organization (chair), Rochester Polish Federal Credit Union (founding member), Friends of St. Stanislaus, Rochester Sesquicentennial Committee and Rochester Polish Arts Organization.

John loved to travel, go camping and fishing, especially in the Adirondacks and listen and dance to polka music. Family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances could count on John for strength, support, the occasional accordion sing-along, and a happy whistle-while-you-work serenade.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. R. Constantino, John's primary care provider for more than 40 years, Dr. Emelie Dumitrescu and the wonderful physicians, nurses, medical personnel and staff at the VA Outpatient Clinic on Calkins Road, and the caring staff at Highland Hospital Emergency Department, Comfort Care and Hospice.

Calling hours will be at Harris Funeral Home, Kings Highway, Rochester New York, Sunday, October 26, 2025, from1 – 4 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Monday, October 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by the burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations in memory of John to Friends of St. Stanislaus or Highland Hospital Comfort Care.

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