John Stanko Obituary

I only heard recently about John's passing. I attended St. Anthony's with John and lived across the street from his cousin, Cynthia and 2 doors from his grandfather and aunt, Virginia. Although I lost touch with him, I still remember his great love of sports and his kind, outgoing and caring nature. He always sold the most subscriptions to the New World Catholic newspaper. John, you will always remain in my thoughts.
You were a great guy!

We will miss John dearly. He was a great guy and would always make us laugh when we would visit him at Blackhawk practices.

His contagous smile will always be remembered :)
He was a great guy

John was and will be one of the best persons I have ever had the pleasure to have known.From our first meetings at a charity softball game between my Cook County Sheriff's Police team and the Chicago Blackhawk team through our many friends and acquaintances in the world of pro wrestling.John will be missed and remembered by all who knew him."Fun" will always be the key word when my now grown kids and I think of John!God Bless You,John and his family!

Dave - We just learned about the loss of your brother John. Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time.

Roger & Angela Tufo

If you played hockey, you have something to look forward to seeing in the locker rooms at the United Center and Stan Mikita's Hockey School and that is John. If you're going to the nitelife scene on Division and Rush Streets, you surely will find John there too! I am glad I had you as a friend and I will miss you. Sincerely yours, Jay Vendola-former AHIHA hockey player

We are sorry to hear about your loss. We knew John for over 25 years through the team, and always had a great time with him going out for "pops" after the games. It was great to see him last year with Chris Chelios and J.R. at the golf outing and reminiscing about the old times. Our prayers are with you at this very sad time.

John: You were always so good to us, always had a kind word and a smile. Even though you didn't always agree with our requests you did them. Working with you was great. You are going to be missed.

I am saddened to hear about John. My deepest sympathies to his family. I remember seeing John at the bar in Michael Anthony's every now and then, and even at the United Center. A good man. He will be missed.

We were very saddened to hear of his passing, he always said Hi and talk awhile when I went to the Blackhawk games. He never said anything bad about anybody. He was always available. We will miss him.

John was always a friendly face to see. He lived his life to the fullest and somewhere, up in heaven, I'm sure John Stanko has a blonde on his arm, a smile on his face and a drink in his hand. God Bless.

We remember John from the time he was five years old and played with our boys Tom and Terry. We lived on the same block in Cicero at the time and they all attended St. Anthony's School. I can remember them playing hockey, coming to the birthday parties in our basement. He was always very outgoing, friendly and lots of fun. Trevor Jensen captured the true spirit of his life in his obit.

Our condolences to his family. We will always remember him.

I'm saddened to learn that John is gone. He was always there for us when we came to Chicago to play hockey. He had lots of stories and was always happy. He was even happy through his illness. He always gave us a ride back to the hotel after our games and kept us all laughing. John, we will miss you - Pete Demers, L.A. Kings

Our sympathy to the Stanko family at this time. John, or I used to call him "uncle" John when I was growing up, was a great person. He was very good friends with my family (the Carlson's)and we will certainly miss him and his sense of humor. You could never go anywhere without someone knowing "Stanko"! He will be truly missed.

My deepest sympathay to all John's friends and family. I knew John from Morton East and from hangin in the hood. John was always someone with a smile and always kept an eye on us girls when we were out God bless and keep you
Tracy

We have all lost a true friend in John Stanko. He always greeted you with a smile and was always interested in you. He took time to get to know you as a real person and I only wish I got to know him better. His loss is our loss, but we are all so much better off for having had the opportunity to have known him and had him be a part of our lives. The hockey world and the real world are mourning with his family and friends.

Dave Mann, Vice President/Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
Chicago, IL

I taught and coached at Morton West for 37 years, and even though I was the enemy for many of those years, John was always friendly and helpful to me. I'll miss seeing you John.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.John was a great guy and seemed to know everybody. He will be missed.

John was always a good friend to me in the early years. We lost touch after the years but I always had a soft spot in my heart for this lovely caring man. He will be missed dearly by many because of the kind and giving person he was too all.

Johnny, you'll be missed by many- and especially those who shared your love of hockey. I can remember, as if it were yesterday, looking over all your hockey memorabilia in the basement... all the posters, the sticks, pucks & signed photographs...I'm sure there is a position being held just for you, on the best hockey team ever!
God Bless & may you rest in peace now.
Tona
(my children, Tracey & Bryce Roth)

Please also except extended condolences from (cousin) Roberta & James Mirro, who presently reside in Scottsdale Az.

To the Stanko family and friends: I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a special friend to all of us in the hockey world and will be greatly missed. His loyalty, love and passion for his Black Hawks, his friends and his community were second to none. I am very greatful to have shared the laughs and stories. John, we will miss you deeply. Tony Granato and family

John was someone who touched the hearts of everyone he met. You always felt welcome when you saw him and belssed to have known him. Rest in peace.

John,
You were such a good man! You especially took the time to make a memorable night for us & our kids at a Black Hawks Game. We will miss you. May God grant you peace & happiness.

John made me one of his 'pet projects' when I first got involved with the Blackawks over 20 years ago. He was always ready with an encouraging word or a heads-up warning. He was a good friend to both my wife and I and we were greatful for the chance to get in lots of pregame hugs toward the end of last season. We will miss him at both the U.C. and Morton, but he will always be remembered as one of the colorful characters on my life.

John, Thanks for making me feel comfortable and welcomed around the rink every winter i came to visit Troy. From a friend in Canada, Rest In Peace

John was one of the first to befriend me when I started covering the Blackhawks in the 97-98 season. The UC is huge and intimidating to a new kid, but I always knew I could depend on his friendly smirk and his regularly asked "You behaving yourself?" He was a friend that I will miss and a person who I am grateful for having known. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
Marcie
NHL.com

John and I grew up together in Cicero and saw each other often through the years. He was a great guy and seemed to know everybody. He will be missed.

I had known John to be a very caring person, a good worker and a friend to many. My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends.

Our deepest sympathy to the Stanko family on John's passing. We was a good man who loved hockey and kids. He will be missed, but heaven needed an equipment manager for their team.

The United Center will seem a bit empty and a bit less friendly to all.....
My condolences to all of John's family and his many friends.

JOHN, YOU WERE SUCH A KIND AND CARING PERSON. YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED BY ME AND THE "MORTON FAMILY" FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!

John, You were a good man and a good friend to many many hockey players. I hope your passing was peaceful, you will never be forgotten around Chicago Blackhawks hockey world.

I have had the pleasure of knowing John for many years. As everyone here also agrees John was a great person to know and will be missed dearly by everyone that knew him! Rest in Peace John.

My deepest condolences to John's friends and family.

John, The game of Softball will not be the same without you. Your friendships are legendary in the neighborhoods of Chicago. There is no one that does not Know Johnie.
The United Center, Softball Fields all over Chicagoland, and celebrities around the world will miss you John.

God Bless

john's spirit & wide smile will be remembered always ....... the wagner family

I know John for several decades through--what else?--ice hockey. He was a close friend of two close friends of mine, Paul Gridelli and Wally Gunzo. John was always upbeat, totally loyal, and a good man. We all loved him and will miss him greatly. We all hurt that he suffered so much.May he rest in peace.

John was a great guy and loved by many. He will be missed!!

Joe Porter

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.