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John Stringfellow Obituary
(Age 38)
Formerly of Greenbelt, Maryland died suddenly April 18, 2011.
John was born November 22, 1972, to Therese and Frank Stringfellow of the Greenbelt residence. He was the grandson of Greenbelt pioneers Anthony and Catherine Madden.
John was a graduate of St. Hugh's Elementary School and DeMatha Catholic High School. He was very active in hometown sports specializing in baseball in high school and at Prince Georges Community College. He received his bachelor's degree in business from Towson State University in 1994.
After working in the business field, John entered the Maryland State Police Academy and graduated in 1997. He was attached to the Easton Barracks and worked in the patrol division and Criminal Investigation Division. He received one of the Baltimore Sun's 2002 Police Officers Of The Year Awards. John was proud to serve and protect his community as a trooper until his retirement in 2005 and considered his fellow troopers to be his second family.
John was a man of quiet strength, high character and integrity. He was fiercely loyal to his family at home and at work. He was extremely generous and non-judgmental, always ready to help others with his time, resources or just a shoulder to lean on.
John loved children and loved making them happy. He cherished his time with his beloved daughter Sara. In addition to his parents and daughter, Sara Elaine Stringfellow, John is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Steven Daly, their daughters Allison and Erin Daly, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A gathering of John's family and friends was held Thursday, April 21st at Borgwardt Funeral Home, Beltsville and was attended by many people who shared John's life back to early childhood. High school and college friends, coaches, fellow ball players and neighbors to fellow troopers and colleagues from the Eastern Shore, shared stories and memories of fun times with John and also the many ways John had helped others. He was well loved.
The funeral services were held at St. Hugh of Grenoble Catholic Church, Greenbelt and were led by Fr. Walter Tappe, whose homily gave great peace and comfort to John's family, friends and fellow police officers. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Following John's services, fellow Greenbelters honored John in their annual Father's Day Memorial Golf Tournament at Glen Dale Golf Course. As John's greatest pride and love was his daughter, Sara Elaine, nothing could be more appropriate to his memory from a supremely supportive community such as Greenbelt. The family greatly appreciates the Memorial and the entire city's support.
The family also greatly appreciates the heartfelt and ongoing support of the Maryland State Police and asks that any memorial contributions be sent to:
Maryland State Troopers Association
1300 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MS 21208-3803
in John's memory to help other police families.
Memories can still be shared at Legacy.com (Past 1 year.)
Memories and Condolences
for John Stringfellow
54 Entries
Shannon Porter
July 10, 2023
I was unable to attend the funeral as I found out much later by word of mouth. I think about him often. I will always miss his sarcasm and great sense of humor.
Karen Jewell
July 10, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sharon Molden
September 21, 2013
Still think of you often. Only comfort is knowing you realize now how much you meant to us and how much we loved you. I know you're looking down on us...thanks for the signs John.
emy h
April 11, 2012
hi
Bonnie Bailey Link
December 7, 2011
Dear Frank and Theresa. I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Mulroe
September 3, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the news. John was a friend of mine at DeMatha and I remember many laughs with him. It seemed that we were always in class with each other! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Justin Marks
June 15, 2011
I am devistated to hear of the loss of a childhood friend. I played little league baseball with John, and remember playing with him as a child. I have not talked with him since I left maryland in 1990, but my friend will be sorely missed. My deepest condolances go out to his family and friends.
Patty Griese (Stringfellow)
May 26, 2011
Dearest Aunt and Uncle,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of John. May he find peace in the Lord our God. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that your hearts may be comforted in God's loving care.
Mary Sullivan
May 1, 2011
I met John in college at Towson. He was truly a sincere guy and always had a heart of gold. I was not surprised when I had heard of him becoming a State Trooper....a profession of someone who is dedicated to helping others! I send thoughts and prayers to his family at this sad and tragic time. Prayers that good memories will bring comfort to you. May God bless you each with his peace and love!
Kelly Hall
April 26, 2011
My husband, John Hall, trained John... or "String" as we called him, and he spent a lot of time with us during his training at the Easton Barrack. He quickly became part of our family and spent many "firsts" with us. He gave my kids their first buzz cuts, attended many birthday parties and was always around if we needed any help. When John Hall was assigned a "bright" blue police car, String left a toy, a stuffed bright blue mouse, for my oldest son, who was just a baby. String wanted him to have a toy as "bright" as his dad's car. We laughed then and always smile when we think of him. Most importantly, we hope that he is at peace now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family and to John's daughter. She will forever have a very special angel watching over her.
Harley Mann
April 25, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the Stringfellow family.
cheryl eley
April 25, 2011
i am sorry to hear about John. He was one I never forgot from St.Hughes. My thoughts and prayers go out to the stringfellow family.
Shannon Porter
April 25, 2011
I was a fellow classmate at St. Hugh's from 4th - 7th grade. John was one of my favorite classmates. He was soft spoken and had a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to those who loved him.
Wade Wendel
April 22, 2011
Please accept my deepest condolences for John's passing. I pray that in time your sorrow departs and only fond memories remain.
Ed Sullivan
April 22, 2011
I met John at Towson U. as we lived next door to each other on campus, and then became rooomates off campus. Such a sincere guy who I thought very highly of and respected a great deal. Enjoyed competing against him on the basketball court, as he would win or lose with class. Truly a good man with a heart of gold; I wish I would have kept in touch with him. I am saddened to hear the news of his passing, as I often thought of him --may the Lord comfort his family by his grace and love. God bless the Stringfellow family.
Michael Belle
April 22, 2011
I remember you, John. You were the fastest runner in our class at St. Hugh's. You were always ready with a good joke and an infectious smile.
I remember one game in Little League. You were the pitcher, and I was the opposing batter. We didn't want to face each other. We couldn't stop smiling throughout the at-bat. We'd sooner have been on the same team. You were a good man even then, and you are already sorely missed.
Sylvia Grayson
April 22, 2011
Cousin Therese - I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. My prayers and thoughts are with you today. May God help you through this trying time.
love, Sylvia
Heather Campbell
April 22, 2011
I am so sorry for you loss. I have fond memories of John as a classmate at St. Hugh's and soccer teammate. Please find comfort and solace in memories of him.
Bob Vacin
April 22, 2011
God bless you, Therese and Frank. Words cannot express...since we've been there with Danny. The only thing I can think of is trying to pray for you. Remember this there was so much fun and great memories back at St. Hugh's. We really had some great times...and one day we will again share it with John. All our love and, of course, prayers, Bob and Candy.....
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Stringfellow, you are certainly a part of my fond memories of St. Bernard's. I am thinking of and praying for all of you at this time- Jennifer Daigle Patrick class of '87
Stacy Mehringer/Bass
April 21, 2011
John and I spent 8 years together in the same class at St. Hugh's. We also played on the Greenbelt soccer team together. He was a great person to grow up with, and I have fond memories of him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
K Calimer
April 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. John was a great friend.
Amy Reese Fitzhugh
April 21, 2011
I met John when I attended Towson University and we became close friends. When he attened the SP Academy, a friend and I wrote to him every week. We both ended up living in Easton and our friendship continued here. John had a good soul and a kind heart. We had lost touch after he left Easton and I am deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends. May God surround you all. Amy Reese Fitzhugh
Kate OBrien
April 21, 2011
I send my most sincere condolences to your entire family. May you find solace in your joyful memories of John, and may he rest in peace.
Allison Luersen (Schachter)
April 21, 2011
John was one of the good guys from Old Greenbelt. Memories of him and my brother Jonathan and all their buddies playing sports together. I am so sorry for your loss. We are all thinking of you.
Linda Koennel
April 21, 2011
Our thoughts, prayers and love got out to all of Johns family during this very difficult time. Keep all the wonderful memories and always know that you have a special angel looking over you forever.
Sincerely, Linda, Stephen, Chris and Amy Koennel
Christie Whited
April 21, 2011
My heart aches for all of you. I knew John through my old best friend Becky. I have a lot of great memories of him.
I will keep all of you in my prayers. Lots of love, Christie Whited.
Jeannette Walton
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Stringfellow, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You were a very positive influence from my years at St. Bernards. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jeannette(Schrider) Walton.
Rex Greening
April 21, 2011
It has been such a long time since I last saw John, but I will always have the memories of him being a great guy. We had a lot of good times in high school playing baseball and hanging out on the weekends. My prayers go out to the Stringfellow family.
April 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Stringfellow and Madden families during this time. Many of my favorite memories involve John, Mary and Chris playing together. Barbara Adams
Patrick Heaney
April 21, 2011
I have many wonderful memories of John. My deepest sympathy to the Stringfellow family.
Lisa Busick
April 21, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Stringfellow family. I worked with John for 5 years and he became a true friend. We shared many happy and fun times together. John always had a smile and would give you the shirt off his back. I will always remember him.
Kelly Donovan-Williams
April 21, 2011
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends during this very difficult time.
April 21, 2011
My heart goes out to the Stringfellow's and the Madden's. I am keeping you in my prayers. So sad to lose another "St. Hugh's kid." God bless you all.
Maureen Fitzgerald Aichele Prince Frederick, MD
Daniel Harding
April 21, 2011
"My hearfelt sympathies to the Stringfellow family for their loss. I was not a close friend of John's, but a brother on the job. We didn't even work for the same agency, nor did it matter. I remember all the times he was there for me. It was a comforting feeling to hear his voice on the radio and know he was not far when I needed back up. He will be forever remembered and forever missed."
Shannon Merkle
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Stringfellow, you were the woman who inspired my love of math from a young age. Without your guidance, who knows if I would have gone on to be a math major in college. I count you among the teachers who have impacted my life in such a positive way. I was so sorry to hear of your son's passing. Please know that I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. -Shannon (Keehn) Merkle, St. Bernards class of '86
George Young
April 21, 2011
My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to John's entire family. John was always a great teammate on the baseball field, but more importantly he always left me with a feeling that I was with one of the great humans in this world...I'm sure the same was true for countless others. I'm proud and fortunate to have known John in this world and hope to see him again one day in the next.
Jonathan Schachter
April 21, 2011
Shocked, confused, and pained. Although I will forever carry happy memories of us playing soccer together. I hope family and friends can celebrate his life. I miss you John.
Noreen Moriarty
April 21, 2011
So sorry to hear about John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin Alden
April 20, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a fine young man during the time I knew him at DeMatha. I also kept informed of his career as a MD State Trooper...he made all of us proud...May God Bless!
Sandie Koutavas (Warren)
April 20, 2011
So sorry to hear this terrible news. May his memory be eternal and may God give you comfort. I always thought so much of John. He is fondly remembered.
Karen Jewell
April 20, 2011
My deepest sympathies to The Stringfellow/Madden family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Charles Lorenzetti Jr
April 20, 2011
John was the ultimate teamate that made everyone around him a better player although he would never admit to it. He quietly and consistently pushed me to be better in soccer, baseball and a better person most importantly. I will never forget all the great times that we shared on and off the field. John was also very special to my father because he would always tell me what a privaledge it was to coach John and Mary. My entire family was also very proud of all of John's achievements as a State Trooper. We lost one of the True Good Guys this week and my thoughts and prayers are with all Stringfellows during their tragic loss.
B Johnson
April 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Stringfellow family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gerry Weaver
April 20, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stringfellow family during this most difficult time. Eric, Gerry, Katie and Lizzie Weaver (Lancaster, PA)
April 20, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was a such a sweet person. My deepest sympathies to Theresa, John ,Mary and the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. THe KIrwan Family
Richard and Erin Olsen
April 20, 2011
Our thoughts are with you and your family. May you find comfort during this difficult time.
Lynn Rousseau Clinedinst
April 20, 2011
My heartfelt sympathies to Theresa, Frank, Mary and their extended families. I can't even begin to imagine the pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
James Santivanez
April 20, 2011
I am shocked beyond belief to learn of John's passing. We took to the diamond together at DeMatha, and had our share of good times off the field as well. Always a smile, always a positive attitude, that's how I will continue to remember him. I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.
Heather Keifline
April 20, 2011
Remembrance
Remembrance is a golden chain
Death tries to break,
but all in vain.
To have, to love, and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.
The years may wipe out many things
But some they wipe out never.
Like memories of those happy times
When we were all together.
~ (Author unknown)
Sending my deepest sympathies to the Stringfellow family for their loss.
M Rivera
April 20, 2011
Rest easy, John. You will be always be loved and missed.
J.P. McMichael
April 20, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Stringfellow family for their loss. I remember John from years of playing Baseball together and growing up in Greenbelt. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. To my Brother of the badge, guard the gates well and watch over us all.
J.P.
Linda Fretterd Earls
April 20, 2011
John always managed to make me smile, even on my darkest days. I considered him one of my dearest friends because I could always confide in him. We managed to make one another laugh despite the rain. Ironically, I teach English, but I can't seem to find the words to bring comfort to his family at this shocking and heart-breaking time. May you find strength in the love he had for each one of you, for his family was most important to him. Hold fast to the great memories for they will bring you comfort.
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Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, P.A.4400 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705
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