John C. Stofa

John C. Stofa

John Carl Stofa, 79, of Cincinnati.  Born May 29, 1942 in Johnstown, PA to John and Ann (Havrilla) Stofa passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2022.

He was a loving and doting husband to Kathryn (Oceak) Stofa.  They met at Bishop McCort High School and married after college.  John and Katie would celebrate 58 years of marriage this August.

Adoring father of: Tracey Stofa; John D. Stofa of Cincinnati, OH; and Jeffrey (Jill) Stofa of Houston, TX. Proud Papa John of Jackson and Madelyn Rudd (Tracey) of Cincinnati.

The oldest of five, John is survived by his beloved siblings: Barbara Petruksa of Johnstown, PA; David Stofa, PhD, of Key West, FL; Michael (Amy) Stofa of Blairsville, PA; and Valerie Stofa of Johnstown, PA.  Fun loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

John’s athletic and academic ability earned him a full football scholarship to the University of Buffalo.  While there, he also lettered in basketball and baseball and was honored to be inducted into UB Hall of Fame in 1973.  He was also inducted into Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.

After graduating from UB, John played minor league football with the Daytona Beach Thunderbirds.  A couple years later, he signed with the Miami Dolphins as QB.  In the 1967 expansion draft, John was traded for two first round picks and became the very first player and QB for the newly established Cincinnati Bengals franchise. He was so proud to be a part of the 1968 inaugural team and carry the title of “First Bengal”.  John also holds the distinction of throwing the first TD pass in Bengals history to good friend, Bob Trumpy.  John returned to the Miami Dolphins and also played for the Denver Broncos and in the WFL.

John and Katie, natives of PA, settled in Cincinnati as they knew it was a great city to raise a family.  It proved to be true.

After 10 years of professional football, John opened the Scoreboard restaurant in Forest Park, OH, where the family resided for 20 years.  His drive to win became apparent as an entrepreneur.  John later applied his business acumen to his executive leadership roles for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medical Mutual of Ohio where he retired at the age of 62.

John also devoted time to NFL Alumni Chapters in Cincinnati and Columbus and remained active in various charities.

John’s passion was golf.  John would play every day except Sunday and cherished his golf buddies at Jefferson Country Club in Columbus, OH and Kings Island Golf Course in Mason, OH.

If you knew John, then you most certainly understood his belief in “PMA”, positive mental attitude.  It was embedded in his competitive and optimistic nature. PMA is the blocking and tackling; fundamental to approaching life.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family will be held on April 29, 2022.  A Celebration of Life will follow this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bishop McCort Catholic High School at 25 Osborne Street, Johnstown, PA 15905 or to charity of your choice.

Mueller Funeral Home is proud to serve the Stofa Family. 513-398-9100