John Herbert "Granddaddy" Stuke Sr.

The Stuke and Braswell families mourn the loss of our beloved John Herbert Stuke Sr, lovingly known as Granddaddy.

Known for his witty remarks, encyclopedic trivia knowledge, and love for Boston sports, John was always the first to start singing a Frank Sinatra song to entertain his many friends throughout the week.

John was born to Mildred Wilson Varney, cousin to President Woodrow Wilson, shortly after midnight on June 18th, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts - the day after Bunker Hill Day on June 17th. Raised during the Great Depression, he faced significant hardships as a boy and rose above these challenges to build a successful career in the US Navy and support a loving family.

John met his wife Phyllis in Dedham in 1954, having been introduced through her sister, Pat, after Phyllis whistled across the street at John in his sailor uniform. John and Phyllis were married on September 25th, 1955, in the Baptist Church at East Dedham Square, and renewed their vows 60 years later at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

John was sworn into the US Navy on St. Valentine's Day, 1950. During his 25 years in the Navy, John learned diesel engineering, took part in the infamous Dark Waters classified mission, and was deployed to countless ports of call around the world, including Trinidad, Naples, and Iceland. He rose through the enlisted ranks, was made a Warrant Officer, and was honorably discharged in November 1975 after reaching the distinguished rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Professor John Stuke taught the diesel mechanic program at Florida Junior College (now known Florida State College at Jacksonville), and the Geis Marine Center, from December 1975 until his retirement 22 years later. Drawing upon his decades of Navy experience, Professor Stuke educated his students with a rarely seen level of knowledge and skill.

John and Phyllis owned several dogs, and other pets, and could often be seen traveling across the US with their beloved chihuahuas, on one of many exciting road trips. They loved vacation time with their dogs and family, including jaunts to New England, New Mexico, the Caribbean, and of course Disney, Epcot, Sea World etc.

John was a Freemason for 67 years, having been raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in April of 1958 at St. Alban's Lodge, Foxborough, Massachusetts. He cooked pancakes at the Ponte Vedra church breakfasts for many years and was a friend to anyone he met at the local shopping and dining establishments. Everyone around town knew and loved "Mister John"!

John passed away during the early morning hours on October 10th, while sleeping peacefully and surrounded by his closest family members. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis; and is survived by his children, Debbie and John Jr; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, from 10:30am to 12pm, immediately followed by a funeral service, burial, and reception, all at the Ponte Vedra Valley funeral home.