John Stupp

John Stupp, 76, of Sewickley, passed away on January 15th, 2025.

Beloved husband of Bette Stupp, father of Robert and Kathleen, and father-in-law of Noah.

He was born in 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio. The first child to the late Agnes and Robert Stupp, he was the much-respected older brother to Mariellen (Mike Michelson) Stupp, Maggie (Bob) Curan, Moe (Tom) Mann, Annie (Jeremy) Martin, and Joe Stupp. He was a funny and encouraging uncle to his nieces Amber, Lindsey, and Mae, and proud great uncle to Jack and Leo.

John held academic degrees from Notre Dame University, The University of British Columbia, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He lived and worked in various states as a jazz musician, university instructor, taxi driver, radio news writer, waiter, and auto factory worker. His most tenured position was as a paralegal in Pittsburgh to which he commuted for more than 35 years.

In 1979 he met his wife Bette while working as a jazz musician at Mad Anthony’s nightclub in Pittsburgh. They set up roots in Sewickley where John held his favorite role as father to his son Robert and daughter Kathleen. Taking over the house with forts, chess boards, and model cars, John instilled his forever love of playfulness to his family. He was a regular tall standing fixture in a raincoat on the sidelines of soccer fields and enthusiastic champion of ballet and design, traveling frequently to New York City to see Kathleen and to, of course, take in a jazz show. He played guitar in the house on most mornings and read poetry to Robert and Kathleen each bathtime, creating a world of creativity in his home. He published many of his own works including several chapbooks and read his work in the poetry circles around Pittsburgh. He loved walking the dogs and talking sports history with Noah.

John’s way of treating people from any background with kindness and embracing all experiences made for a gracefully various life. He created a lasting impact in his family and community where his loss is deeply felt. When he wasn’t writing, working, or playing music, he could be found making runs to the Do it Best Hardware store in Ambridge, fishing in Myrtle Beach, or playing guitar on the doorstep of cabin Daisy at Oglebay.

“And yet it results in a downward motion, or rather a floating one in which the blue surroundings drift slowly up and past you

To realize themselves some day, while, you, in the nether world that could not be better

Waken each morning to the exact value of what you did and said, which remains.”

(John Ashbery, “Definition of Blue”, The Double Dream of Spring)

Memorial contributions can be made to Mercy Behavioral Health (pittsburghmercy.org).

Arrangements entrusted to R. D. Copeland, Ltd, Irvine Chapel, Sewickley.