John Christopher Stollsteimer Jr.

JOHN CHRISTOPHER STOLLSTEIMER Jr, of Shamong, NJ, formerly of Erial, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28th, 2024 at the age of 75 years.  Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Anna (nee Rugel) Stollsteimer of Williamstown, NJ, and the late John C. Stollsteimer Sr., and has resided in Shamong, NJ since 2002.  He is the Beloved Husband of Cheryl Ruth (nee Balcer) Stollsteimer of Shamong, NJ, and the Loving Father of Holly MacDonald and her husband (Hugh) of Indian Mills, NJ, Heather Gardner and her husband (Brian) of Tabernacle, NJ, John C. Stollsteimer III and his wife (Stacy) of Erial, NJ, and the late Thomas Stollsteimer.  John is survived by his 9 grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by his sister Juliann Shockley and her husband (Mark) of Williamstown, NJ. 

John grew up in the Hilltop section of Gloucester Township. John was a 1966 graduate of Triton High School where he played football and wrestled. He worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard from 1966 to 1970 in 56 Shop alongside his Grandfather.  John joined the Gloucester Township Police Department in 1970, where he dedicated 36 years of service, retiring as Chief of Police in 2006.  During this time, he served in several roles as a member of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, as President of the Camden County Association of Chiefs of Police, as Sergeant of Arms with the South Jersey Police Chiefs Association, and as a member of the Camden County Police Academy Advisory board.  He was also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy Session 169. 

Beyond his professional life, John was a devoted family man known for his unwavering support at family events and his love for hunting and the outdoors. In 2001, John met his wife Cheryl. They were married in 2002. Their new blended family included John’s two sons and Cheryl’s two daughters. His recent joy was teaching his grandson the ropes of hunting, a passion that brought him much happiness.  John enjoyed family vacations and watching the grandchildren at sporting events.  He loved getting together with family whether hosting Christmas Eve dinner or an Easter egg hunt.  Fine dining for the family was the Chinese Buffet with all of the grandchildren. The prized seat at his house was Pop Pop’s chair! He was someone who could tackle any goal and was considered a jack of all trades.  A project that he was extremely proud of was helping a friend start the Erial Little League which has continued to benefit the children of the community for over 40 years. It was rare for him not to be involved in some project or helping out a friend, not only giving his time but his wisdom as well as offering valuable advice and guidance to family and friends.  John’s positive impact and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and on Wednesday, May 8th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Our Lady of Hope Parish (St. Agnes Church), 701 Little Gloucester Road in Blackwood, NJ, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow in the Pinelands Memorial Cemetery in Shamong, NJ.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, Medford, NJ. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family would greatly appreciate donations to   the Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors; C.O.P.S. PO Box 322, Beachwood, NJ 08722 or at (https://gardenstatecops.org/), the Voorhees Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043 or at (https://www.vaonj.org/)  or to the “Indian Mills United Methodist Church Building Fund”, 89 Indian Mills Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088.  (www.BradleyStow.com)  

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