John Worth Stockton
Born September 4, 1948 in Roanoke, VirginiaDeparted September 22, 2023 in Indialantic, Florida
John Worth Stockton, 75, of Indialantic, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 22, 2023 after a long illness. He was lovingly cared for by his wife, with the support of VITAS hospice care.
John was born on September 4, 1948 to Worth and Emily Stockton in Roanoke, VA. After graduating from Roanoke Catholic High School in 1966, he went on to study Civil Engineering at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.
In 1971, John met Susan I. Kril, and they wed in 1974. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on January 5th, 2024. They welcomed twin daughters, Sarah and Jessica in 1977. John’s family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Susan, Sarah, and Jessica and always tried his best to support them. Anyone who knew John knew that he was a loving father and husband. John was predeceased by his parents, Worth and Emily Stockton. He is survived by Sarah Stockton Angrisani, married to Robert Angrisani, parents of Vance (14) and Hannah (10); Jessica Stockton Bowen, married to COL Christopher Bowen, parents of Carson (15), Kaylen (12), and Annabelle (6). He was affectionately known as “Papa John”. He is also survived by an older sister, Natalie Stockton Kister, a younger brother, Ronald Stockton, a brother-in-law, Raymond Kril, and several nieces and nephews around the world.
After college graduation, John landed his first job as an engineer for Wiley & Wilson Inc. He proceeded to have a career in local government as Assistant City Engineer (City of Fredericksburg, VA), Director of Public Works (Town of Vienna, VA), Town Manager of South Hill, VA and Town Manager of Kitty Hawk, NC. He first retired from the state of Virginia in 2007 and then fully retired from the state of North Carolina in 2016 completing his long career of public service. Upon retirement, he and Susan settled in Indialantic, FL where they could be near family. John faithfully provided for his family and gave them the life he felt they deserved.
John also enjoyed volunteer opportunities in the community, serving as President of the Rotary Club in South Hill, VA, a long-standing member of the Chamber of Commerce, and gave his time and efforts to many other local organizations wherever he lived. He always contributed significantly to his church community as a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, a Vestry member, singing in the choir, and participating in numerous Bible studies. He was most recently a devout member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne, FL.
John enjoyed the outdoors and remained active until recently. He mostly liked to walk, bike ride, and swim. He loved music and dancing so much that he and Susan enjoyed years as members of the Outer Banks Shag Club, although his dancing preference was to “get down to James Brown.” Above all, his true passion was playing golf. In retirement, he played golf several days per week. He enjoyed watching all sports, but mostly football and basketball. His favorite college team was the University of Virginia and his favorite professional football team was the Washington Redskins (Yes, the Redskins. Hail to the Redskins!).
There will be a Celebration of Life held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00am with a reception to follow. For family and friends who are not able to attend, the service will be streamed on the church Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/holytrinitymelbourne . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to St. Jude at St Jude’s Hospital or mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.