Birth date: Apr 8, 1959 Death date: May 11, 2015
John Paul Stein, 56, of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida after a lengthy illness. John was born April 8, 1959 in Norwalk, OH, to Paul Read Obituary
I'm not sure I can relate in writing, the kind of friends John and I were, or how I feel about his passing. You hear the corny, clichéd, commercials on tv and radio about friends that don't see each other for a long period of time, and pick up right where they left off. That was John and I. And more. I knew I could call him at a moments notice and he would be there for me. Even if no one else would. Anytime. Anywhere. Any problem. I would like to believe he knew the same of me.
We knew each other for a lot of years and were inseparable for many of them. We grew up together. My fondest memories? How can I possibly recount them all? Could be the times we spent with friends driving around in that old piece of crap green Rambler. Fishing and camping at Ft. Desoto. Diving for lobster in The Keys. Meeting girls (yes that was before Mary :) ). Softball on the beaches. Football at Seminole Park. Just hanging out shooting the breeze. We understood each other. He got me. I got him.
I could talk about what an amazing person he was but anyone that knows him knows that. If it was his, and you needed it, it became yours. I could talk about his faith. He practiced instead of preached. I still have faith because of the way John, his family, and Mary Wells, all practiced their religion. No hypocrisy. No preaching. Live by example. The way the word SHOULD be conveyed.
As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I can't help but have a small smile. We had some good times. John was my friend, My best friend. His passing has left a huge hole and I will miss him.
I only worked with John for a year when I bought Island Nautical. It didn't take me long to assess how great a craftsman and person he was. I knew he was sick, but also knew he loved his work and told him I would support him anyway he needed, including napping in my office on the couch, which he never took me up on. He worried more about my business and the spar shop and didn't retire until he knew the company was going to be ok.
You meet very few people in life that are not self serving and care more for others. John was that guy. We at Island Nautical miss him deeply and wish his family the best. We shared this lost on our facebook page and had many responses from customers that also appreciated him. I've shared that link below and also a picture of one of John's projects, the "Pirate Ship" on the photo's page. Thank you John and rest in piece.
Very sorry to hear about the passing of our old neighbor,John. Our thoughts & prayers are with Mary & the boys. We fondly remember the ''Friday Fish Fry'' dinners we shared with them so long ago (when all the kids were little). Peace be with you all, from the Charles Bell family.
I have been very blessed to know several members of the Stein family. Sadly, I have not seen John in many years but have always asked my brother about John. John and my brother Scott have been the best of friends for as long as I can remember. I remember many times that John and I just paled around. Well, you knew if you were hanging out with John, you were going to be doing something related to the sun, water, fish, or something slimy. We drove in his little orange Chevette to Tarpon Springs to go scalloping, spent various days pushing what the camping gang called the "creature catcher" around in the mucky Ft. Desoto waters......getting creatures. One of the coolest things John did with me was took me to see the Blue Angels fly at an air show at Mac Dill. Great memories of Ft. Desoto camping and all the families sharing Thanksgiving together. What a great memories. John was like a second brother to me and I will always cherish my memories.
Sharing our memories will always keep John bright and close in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stein family.
Tom O'Donnell & Stacy Remick O'Donnell
Whenever we think of Ft. DeSoto, John has always been a part of those fun memories. He was always game for anything that related to camping, cooking, fishing or water sports. He and Scott were also great at bickering about the best way to do almost everything. It was a special period in our lives.
Mary and Don Remick
Rick and I will sorely miss John.
John had gusto in all he did and that was a side of his personality that was hard for anyone to resist. If John was telling you about his latest treasure at the flea market or garage sale it was always a story you didn’t want to miss and you couldn’t stop listening to him explain his adventure. When John was out scouting for a bargain to sell on EBay or that special herb or ingredient for a new recipe his narrative was always descriptive and interesting. He made the best cheesecake ever! (Well, I was loving that cheesecake because it reminded me of my mom’s ol’ fashion cheesecake.) What a pleasure to enjoy that dessert and all of the gourmet treats we shared with John, Mary and their family…so many good laughs and memories that will never be lost! How about John’s garden? John had unbelievable flowers, (Oh, the gorgeous orchids were thriving, while mine were dying.) John was also considerate to others and his flowers would show up for dinner too!
Well, it seems I am telling this excerpt in a women’s view, but I have many reminiscences of the John who took out his boys fishing, any chance he could, to teach them all the in-and-outs of fishing that he knew. He also took the boys along on his jaunts to scout out his never ending hunt for the ultimate discovery that he could sell and he taught them the basics of haggling with clients too.
Paul and Mary Stein raised all amazing, compassionate, loving children, who married extraordinaire soul mates; it is our pleasure to know each and every one of them, we share in their grief. Nothing can compare to the consideration, hospitably and the way the entire family has been so gracious to both Rick and I; we feel part of that wonderful family. If ever Rick and I would be alone for a Holiday one of the families would invite us to share their Holiday with them; that in itself is a perfect example of this families caring and good will towards others. We have many, many happy memories. Thank you! John will always be with us.
Go in Peace John, we love you.
Rick & Karen
When I turned 16 John took me to Cedar Point for my birthday! He also taught me to drive a stick shift...he was so brave! I will always have those fond memories of him and his seemingly unending patience.
Nancy Hampson
