John Stopa

John Russell Stopa, age 64, died on July 7 as a result of cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife, Carol Davis Stopa of Columbus, his daughter Kate (David) Tull of Columbus, his son Dr. Jack Stopa (Melissa Shakro) of Cambridge, MA, grandson Thomas Tull of Columbus, and brother James Stopa of Somers, CT. John's youngest child Emily Ann Stopa died on October 2, 2016 at the age of 28. John grew up in Somers, CT and held degrees from both Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1974) and Boston University School of Law (1978). Carol was the love of John's life and best friend. They celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on March 22, 2017, and were to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the day they met on July 29, 2017. John was a United States Chess Federation Life Master, and over his more than 40 year chess career was named New England Champion, Massachusetts State Champion, New York State Champion, and Ohio Co-Champion. John dedicated countless hours to volunteering for the Ohio Democratic Party. John loved being a dad, cheering on the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants, chess, cats, classic rock, playing with his grandson, planning vacations all over the country, and yelling at politicians on TV. John was a selfless and generous husband, father, and friend and will be fondly remembered for his warmth, wit, and kind heart. John elected to be an organ donor and so is continuing to help others. A memorial service will be held at SCHOEDINGER FUNERAL HOME, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio on Tuesday, July 11th at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Ohio Democratic Party (www.ohiodems.org) or Lifeline of Ohio (www.lifelineofohio.org) Please view our online guestbook at www.Schoedinger.com