John Clyde Stingel

John Clyde Stingel, age 86, of Dover and formerly Pickerington, a beloved family man, friend, educator, and coach, passed away on June 10, 2025, after being hospitalized since early April.

Born on December 7, 1938, in Sugarcreek, he was the son of the late John H. and Gladys (Lenhart) Stingel. John graduated from Sugarcreek-Shanesville High School, and went on to study at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. John dedicated much of his life to shaping the minds and lives of his students. He began his career as an educator at Newton Elementary School in Muskingum County before finding a long-standing home at Pickerington Schools. For over 30 years, John shared his love for biology, ecology, and advanced placement courses with students who would carry his lessons forward for generations. His impact extended beyond the classroom as he coached basketball, track, football, and baseball, leaving a legacy that includes the namesake Stingel Invitation Track Meet.

As a young man, during summers he drove for Greyhound Bus where he developed a passion for driving. After retiring from teaching, John drove for American Interstate Bus Company then Cardinal Buses, all allowing him to connect with many people and share stories from the road. John was known for his thoughtful and kind personality. He touched the lives of everyone he met, earning the admiration of his students and colleagues.

An avid sports fan, John had a tremendous love for Ohio State football and basketball, as well as the Reds and Guardians. His enthusiasm for these teams was a testament to his spirited personality. A passion for gardening marked another aspect of John’s fulfilling life, complemented by his appreciation for good food. He had a special fondness for pizza, always welcoming the opportunity for a good slice.

A faithful member of the First United Church of Christ in Sugarcreek, John held a deep connection to his community and faith. In his later years, he and his wife Judy created lasting memories while traveling annually to Florida. Their adventure transitioned from RV journey to owning a home there, where John engaged in daily games of pool and tennis with friends, enjoying the company of others in the sunshine.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Judy (Contini) Stingel; his daughters, Jennifer Lynn Corona of Manteno, Illinois, and Julie Ann (Neal) Westlund of Leesburg, Virginia; his grandchildren, Emily Ann and Mitchell John (fiancée, Mary Smith) Corona, Hannah Jane and Audrey Louise Westlund, his sister, Aletha (Ray) Riedesel; his brother, Charles (Sue) Stingel; his sister-in-law, Donna Stingel; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy and Michael Rubino; and his many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Smokey Griggs and Miriam and Don Miller, and his brother, Voris Stingel.

John Stingel leaves behind a legacy rich in education, mentorship, and heartfelt connections. His life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness and the importance of family and of community engagement. He will be remembered by many for the wisdom he shared, the lives he enriched, and the love he spread within his family and friends.

Following his wishes, John will be cremated. Family and friends may pay their respects, visit with the family, and share memories at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio, on Saturday, June 21, 2 - 4 p.m. Directly afterward, all are invited to the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center, 831 Boulevard, Dover, for pizza and a further celebration of John's life.

Instead of flowers, contributions honoring John may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, Illinois 60601.