John Stanislaus Stolz

John S. Stolz, a man of unwavering honor, courage, and profound devotion, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 96. Following a long and courageous battle with illness, he departed this life leaving behind a legacy built on sacrifice, service, and a love that spanned generations.
From Humble Beginnings to Heroic Service
John's life was defined by a quiet, fierce determination that took root in his childhood. Growing up with a loving, hardworking family but very few possessions, he often went to school hungry. Those early years of hardship shaped his soul; he spent the rest of his life ensuring his own family would never know the want he had experienced.
At 19, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a radioman on a destroyer during the Korean War. He stood at the center of history, reporting the first incidents of the conflict to his Captain. Though he was a pillar of strength, his rare tears in later years were a testament to the brothers-in-arms he lost during those days at sea. Upon returning home, he continued to serve as a firefighter-a role he described as the most difficult and demanding of his career-before beginning a distinguished tenure in law enforcement.
A Life of Sacrifice and Leadership
At his heart, John was a dreamer. However, he chose to sacrifice his own personal dreams to fuel the dreams of his family. He worked tirelessly for every promotion, driven by the goal of providing a better life than the one he had known. His greatest pride was not in his own rank, but in the achievements of his children, whom he saw through college and law school. He often said that any success his family achieved was due to the combined strength of himself and his beloved wife, whom he cared for with legendary devotion in her final days.
As a leader of men within the police department, John was revered for his integrity. To the officers who served under him, he was a shield and a mentor; to his family, he was a "rock."
The Heart of a Father
Only later in life did his family realize the true depth of his generosity: every gift he gave, every opportunity he provided, and every sacrifice he made was a fulfillment of the hopes he once had as a young boy. John S. Stolz lived with the bravery of a sailor, the grit of a firefighter, a respect for law and order and the selfless heart of a father. His legacy is the better life he built for those he loved.
He is survived by his son, Benjamin Stolz, His daughter-in-law Nancy Stolz, his grandchildren, John Francis Stolz and Cara Alexa Stolz, and stepdaughter, Gloria Jean Shaw.