John passed away peacefully on October 8, 2020, age 97. Born is Oswego, NY to the late Karl and Charlotte Stets.

He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia and daughter, Ann; siblings: Karl, Ann, Howard and Tiz. Survived by children: Michael, and Mary (Greg) Chabolla of Alamo, CA; grandchildren: Katie, Kelsey and Jack.

John served with distinction in the U.S. Navy during WWII on PT boat 84 in the South Pacific where his squadron rescued American & Ausie prisoners of war from enemy prison camps in Borneo. He was squadron photographer for the proceeding surrender ceremonies at war’s end. Following the war, John graduated from Clarkson University before pursuing a 35-year career with Kodak where he served as a project engineer for Kodak’s role supporting NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Program.

John was a devout Catholic and active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace church, an avid golfer at Locust Hill CC and a member of the Rochester Oratorio Society as a tenor singing the Messiah at Christmas along with the Rochester Philharmonic for many years.

John will always be remembered for his gentle compassion, charming personality and warm smile.

Due to Covid, Services will be private.

Donations may be made in John’s name to:
The First Tee, an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf.
Click HERE to Donate

or to the

Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Click HERE to Donate