John S. Stanko

Youngstown - "ONE NIGHT ONLY" John S. Stanko, 74, died Thursday, December 1, 2016 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving children. He was born October 1, 1942 in Youngstown, son of the late John and Elizabeth Vargo Stanko.

He was a 1960 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. He was employed as a truck driver with Youngstown Sheet & Tube until they closed in 1977. John later began working as an operator/chemist for the City of Campbell Waterworks where he retired in 2007. He was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Campbell and also Good Hope Lutheran Church in Boardman. He was an avid musician, singer and songwriter. He was a founding member of many bands, the most successful of which was The Del-Rays. He also inspired many family members and friends to "follow his lead" into music. Although music was his gift, he found great joy in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. John loved his Pittsburgh Steelers and will be deeply missed by many.

He leaves his children, Cheryl (Gary) Abeid , Regina (Saint) Sferra, Teresa (Keith) Cua, Michelle Miranda, Yvonne Stanko and Robert (Melissa) Stanko; grandchildren, Jessie (Tim), Ashley, Johnny, Irfaan, Emily (James), Zaakiyah, Anthony, Kristen, Saahirah, Sophia, Jacob, Noah and Isabella; great-grandchildren, Kila, Andrew, Alivia, A.J. and Eddison; sisters, Liz and Susan; brothers, Tom, Vince and Mark; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his uncle and best friend, James "Hambones" Vargo; aunts, Irene and Julie and his beloved pet Kali.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Stanko on April 3, 2013, his brothers and band mates, Robert and James.

Calling hours will be Monday from 3-7pm at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St. Poland. Prayer services will begin at 10am on Tuesday at the funeral home followed by the Funeral Divine Liturgy at 11am at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 463 Robinson Rd. Campbell, with the Rev. Kevin E. Marks officiating. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to send a special thank you to his friend and Pastor, Bob Quaintance for his love and support and also to his wonderful team of Doctors and Nurses for the fantastic care given to John.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.