In loving memory of
John Stack

April 14, 1943

-

February 15, 2024

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Obituary

John Stack passed away on February, 15 2024 in Port Orange, Florida. He was 80.

John was born on April 14, 1943 in Passaic, New Jersey to his parents Joseph and Louise Stack. He graduated from William Patterson University in 1965. John married Karen (Eckmayer) Stack on July 25, 1975 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In April of 1980, John was involved in a tragic car accident leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

John was a hard-working, determined, and passionate man who loved God, his family, and the NY Giants, unconditionally. He was a teacher and a coach who began his career coaching football, baseball, and basketball at Elmwood Park High School (NJ) in 1957 and continued coaching football in NJ, and then at Father Lopez Catholic High School and Spruce Creek High School in Florida until his retirement in 1999. He led his teams to many district titles and state playoff appearances but most importantly, he inspired and mentored his players and coaches alike.

John was also a nationally ranked wheelchair tennis player, wheelchair golfer, fishing enthusiast, and culinary aficionado

John is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Allison Stack Nugent (Quinn 16, Owen 13); his son Darren Stack (wife Jessica Stack, Cassie 8, Gabbie 4); sister Patricia Franzmann; and sister Deborah Pyzza.

A memorial service will be on April 6, 11am at Epiphany Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Caring Kind, https://www.caringkindnyc.org/ in memory of John Stack.

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Jim Panzella says:

12 Apr 2024

It’s been many years now, 50 to be exact, but coach what you did with those kids from Ridgefield and that football team was truly amazing. Thank you for letting me be a part of it as your assistant, I was truly blessed. The last time I saw you, at your induction to the Elmwood Park Athletic Hall of Fame, I had the privilege to sit with many of our former players, now grown men, who all were there because you had such a positive impression on their lives. What a legacy, I will miss you, rest in pease my friend.
My sincere condolences to Karen and the rest of the family.
joe toscano says:

06 Mar 2024

More then just a coach he was a no give up guy. Rest in peace John thanks for the memories!
Bill Ehrlich says:

04 Mar 2024

Coach Stack was a positive force and influence for so many of us that were lucky enough to have him as our coach. John was my line coach at Ridgefield Memorial H.S. in 1969/70. Through hard practices he taught us the discipline of pushing ourselves physically but also how to work together. I remember John standing on the 7-man sled as if he were driving a Roman chariot around Willis Field and pushing us to move faster, harder and in unison. If he was happy with our efforts he would break out in that great smile to praise us when we got it right. I also remember specific times after a game when he would again give that great smile with his arm around you as he would recall a block or play you made during the game. Things only your line coach would see or remember. Those were meaningful and memorable moments for me. Rest in peace Coach and thank you for all that you unselfishly gave of yourself for our benefit. You are remembered with fondness and love.
My sincere condolences to Karen and family.
José (Pepe) Guillem says:

03 Mar 2024

Coach Stack was a wonderful teacher, coach and friend. Many great memories of winning football seasons, fishing trips to the Promised Land in PA as well as road trip to FLA to fish the Everglades. He was an inspirational man who kindly reached out to me nearly 40 years after graduation to send me a copy of film he had transposed from Super 8 to VHS to DVD. He wanted to make sure I “had a copy of our Championship Game against North Arlington”! A priceless gesture by a wonderful friend.
I am certain we will share stories about Coach Stack for many years to come.
Heart felt condolences to Karen and his Family.
Marc Feinstein says:

02 Mar 2024

I have often thought of you, Coach Stack, over the years, royal thoughts and gratitude silently sent your way, for the deserving tribute of the many ways you have impacted my life, some that I did not then appreciate, but now do...

This was from my Dedication to Coach Stack in my book sent to him in 2014, forty-two years after last seeing or speaking with him after I graduated RMHS. That led to a few fortunate reconnections where we tried to catch up as best we could--and did we. Not only a trip down our common memory road but easily filling in those missed years with non-stop stories of where life had taken us. I am grateful we got to do that before it was too late.
To Karen and family: Sandy and I send Aloha wishes and hope you find comfort and peace with each other and your memories of John.
Tamara Johnson says:

01 Mar 2024

We will always remember John for his wonderful enthusiasm. Karen and I would play tennis and John and Keefe would cheer us on and then serve wine in Dixie cups to our opponents. We shared many dinners together and three vacations to California with the Stacks. Good friends and good memories last forever.
Jim Barrett says:

28 Feb 2024

Coach John Stack had a big impact on the man I am today. He was my basketball coach and football coach. Many Saturdays during the Spring seasons we also fished together. He would pick me up at 3:30am and we would fish well into the afternoon. One of my fondest memories is when Coach Stack took me and two other football players on a fishing trip to Canada for Northern Pike and Walleye. I remember John as a Coach, Teacher and Mentor. I have many fond memories of John Stack, my Coach, Fishing Buddy, Mentor and Friend. May you rest in Peace, John. My heart goes out to Karen and the Family.
Ken Lopian says:

28 Feb 2024

I have very fond memories of Mr. Stack at RMHS. I admired his inspirational approach as a Football and Basketball coach. He made Science interesting and fun. I still remember his "Super Intellect" bonus questions on his science exams.

Heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.
William Castel says:

28 Feb 2024

I just heard some sad news that former RMHS Football Coach and Assistant Basketball Coach, Mr. John Stack passed away. Sad news for me as I have some great memories of him. I never had him as a teacher, but he was one of my Basketball Coaches. My frosh year he was very tough on me in the beginning, but because of him, he helped to mold me into a better person and player, and we grew to have a great relationship with each other. He did coach and lead our Junior Varsity Basketball Team to the Junior Varsity League Championship (I was a member of that team my Frosh year). Coach was a No-Nonsense Coach, but at the same time, a very good and caring person. In my opinion, he was a very good coach! Thanks for everything, coach. RIP Coach Stack.
Pat and Dick Gable says:

27 Feb 2024

We are sorry that we haven’t been able to visit in the past few years. We will always have great memories of our years in Ridgefield. John was a man of great courage and spirit! Our love to Karen and family.
Joann Mesiano Brigandi lit a candle:

27 Feb 2024
Karen Lazo says:

27 Feb 2024

What an amazing man. I am praying for peace for your family in the aftermath of this great loss.
Lori Pennell Fregonese says:

27 Feb 2024

May his memory continue to inspire generations to come. Fond memories of Mr. Stack as my General Science and 9th grade homeroom teacher at RMHS. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and family during this difficult time.
Judy Pennell says:

27 Feb 2024

My sincere sorry for this lovely family. He will always be remembered.
Judy Pennell says:

27 Feb 2024

My sincerest condolences for the Stack Family. What a great teacher and athlete. I had him in high school and hold Karen and John close to my heart.
Judy Pennell says:

27 Feb 2024

My sincere condolences to the Stack Family. I had Mr Stack In High School and loved his talent for sports. I also had Karen Stack in gym so sorry. What a great teacher and Athlete nothing could stop him.
Joanne Rossi Serhat says:

27 Feb 2024

So sorry for your loss Karen and family. Always wonderful memories from RMH S and then seeing you at Villanova.
Jane Donahue says:

27 Feb 2024

My maiden name was Pinkerton and I had Mr. Stack as a teacher. I loved having him as a teacher and have many good memories of the football games as I was a cheerleader for RMHS. RIP
Gayle Hodgson Oord says:

26 Feb 2024

My condolences to the Stack family and friends. Sorry for the loss Karen. Thinking of you too Pat. Praying for comfort .
Sherri Solomon Pearson says:

26 Feb 2024

My sincere condolences to the Stack family. Mr. Stack was a wonderful science teacher and my homeroom teacher when I was in the 9th grade at RMHS. May he Rest in Peace.
Barbara Tizio says:

26 Feb 2024

It’s inspiring to hear about so many accomplishments after a devastating loss. Kudos to John for living his life so fully. Blessings to his supportive family.
Barbara Tizio lit a candle:

26 Feb 2024