John V. “Jake” Stella 

July 28, 2024 

John V. “Jake” Stella, 74 of Breinigsville, PA, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 28, 2024 at his home.

Born on April 21, 1950 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late Vincent J. and Marie (Benzi) Stella.

Jake was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, Class of 1968 and Mansfield State College, Class of 1972, earning his Bachelor’s Degree.  He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, 109^th Field Artillery from 1972 to his honorable discharge in 1978.  He was employed at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for 31 years until his retirement.

Jake was a Man of Faith, he loved the Lord and he loved his family. He was a model of compassion and had a deep drive to take care of others, people and pets alike.  He was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about fly fishing (and tying his own flies), hunting, archery, gardening, and walking. His neighbors could always count on finding his homegrown tomatoes on their porch. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers & Pittsburgh Pirates Fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years Deborah M. “Debbie” (Smith) Stella on December 9, 2011, and sister-in-law Pamela Kaluzny.

Surviving are his children Nicole Stella, Allentown, son John A. Stella, PhD. and his wife Anna Scottsdale, AZ, grandson Lucas Stella, brothers Joseph Stella and his wife Michaelene, Harding, and Vincent Stella, Jr., Clarks Summit, sisters Rosemary Lori and her husband Arthur, Pittston, Regina Holby and her husband Daniel, Plains, and Maria Coriell and her husband Toby, Osprey, FL, stepmother Thelma Stella, Pittston, sister-in-law Sandra Maziarz and her husband John, Breinigsville, PA, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Jake will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA  18705, with Pastor Dave Alderson officiating.  Entombment with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton section of Wyoming.  Family and friends may call from Thursday morning from 9:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lehigh Valley Network by visiting www.lvhn.org/give/memorial-gifts or to Bone Marrow Registry by visiting www.bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-financially/