John Francis Stuffler
May 14, 1932 - June 12, 2024
John was born in 1932 in Los Angeles, CA to Francis & Aileen Stuffler. He was one of three sons (Walter, John & Richard). In his early years in Los Angeles, John would help his dad carry tools for his plumbing business and was always interested in “how things worked”. As a young adult, John was involved in a men’s Catholic group from his church. This group had several mixers and on one particular mixer at the beach, he met the love of his life, Helen. He took one look at her long legs in her bathing suit and had to ask her out! They had a quick courtship and were married a few months later in a small, intimate ceremony in 1960.
In 1963, John moved his family to Downey, CA and put down roots. They bought a house which would be their home for the next 57 years. He worked as an electronic technician, a job he would hold for over 40 years for the same company. They welcomed their first child, James in 1963. Ann, their eldest daughter, was adopted in 1969 and Kathleen’s birth in 1972 rounded out their growing family. John was the ever present family man. He volunteered in his son’s Indian Guide’s, was a volunteer coach for Ann’s basketball & softball teams and the biggest cheerleader for Kathleen’s soccer games. He was also a Girl Scout dad, helping with our numerous troop functions and trips with all the other dads. He was the ever-patient soul who helped with endless hours of homework, multiple science projects, driving us to school functions, and teaching us to drive. He was truly the best dad, husband & grandfather ever.
John was also a man of faith. He was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus (40+ yrs) and was a constant fixture at his council in Downey. He helped facilitate many of their charitable events (bingo, toys for tots, free throw competitions (many of which Ann participated in) and hall rentals. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey for 46 yrs. He lived his faith every day and was an amazing example for his children.
In 2020, during covid, John & Helen moved to Spring, TX to be closer to their children and grandchildren. John was the cutest grandfather. He took pride in showing his grandsons the subtle art of creating the perfect ice cream sundae or how to make the perfect batch of nachos – all of which he shared gladly with them. He beamed ear to ear when watching the boys in High school band and supported every fundraiser they threw his way – wondering what he was going to do with 10 buckets of cookie dough. He loved living in Texas and quickly became a fan of tex mex and enjoyed a really good Margarita on the rocks!
John is survived by: Helen Stuffler, his loving wife of 63 yrs. Son, James Stuffler; Daughter, Ann Catron (husband Chad Catron) & grandchildren Eric Osoba, Christopher Osoba & bonus grandson, Chad Wesley Catron; Daughter, Kathleen Stuffler.
In lieu of flowers, please just raise a glass and enjoy a margarita in his name.