John (Jack) F. Stira, 68, passed peacefully at his Tewksbury, MA residence on November 1, 2023, with his dear cat, Max, by his side. Born in Winthrop, MA on February 8, 1955, he was the eldest child of John and Alice Stira (deceased) of Wilmington. He was a beloved member of the community and will be deeply missed.
John enjoyed spending time with his family and good friends, music, dining out (especially at TJ's and Kyoto), his computer, travel, and carefree, wonderful summers in Raymond, Maine on Sebago Lake. At the lake, he would spend happy times with his dear friends, playing cribbage, enjoying water skiing, swimming, fishing, and finding comfort and solace on the peaceful river by the camp. He graduated from Wilmington High in 1974, a proud member of the WHS band, playing clarinet. He also played saxophone and participated in drum and bugle corps in his younger days. Following graduation, John worked at Sweetheart Plastics, became a licensed HAM Radio Operator, and enjoyed many happy hours chatting with friends on his CB radio where he met his bestie, Jason Riley. We will miss his daily Facebook posts, at times thoughtfully poignant, but mostly full of joy and humor.
John is survived by his loving family; sister, Elissa (Stira) Faulkner, and spouse, Dana Faulkner, of Tewksbury; his brother, Mark Stira, and spouse, Lisa (Jemson) Stira, of Wilmington; his niece, Sara (Faulkner) McCarthy, and spouse, Andrew McCarthy, and grandniece, Charlotte McCarthy, of Londonderry NH; his niece, Stephanie Anderka-Faulkner, and spouse, Katy Anderka-Faulkner of Amherst NH, and his nieces, Jillian Stira of Boston, and Jessica Stira of Haverhill.
A Celebration of Life will be held in John's honor at Farmer and Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, John would appreciate your contribution to the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsynewengland.org. Your donation will support their mission to improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy.
Forever in our hearts, he is flying with the eagles and running with the wolves, whole and at peace. John’s sweet spirit is now free to go anywhere, do anything, and reside wherever he chooses.