John was born in Olean, New York, to Clyde Maynard Stohr and Pauline Owens Stohr on August 28, 1939. He went to elementary and high school in Richburg, New York. He worked for Cuba Cheese before taking a job at Acme Electric in Cuba, New York, where he worked until 1991. After moving to North Carolina, he explored multiple opportunities but was most proud of his work for the Census. In 1998, he married the former Lois Austin/Lamberton who survives. John was an avid Barbershop quartet singer, singing Lead with groups in Olean, New York and Raleigh, North Carolina. He also enjoyed playing tennis, drawing, and trying to win the lottery.

John is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donna Moses, Clyde Stohr, Winona Taylor, Steven Stohr, and Victor Stohr.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughter, Marina Heppner of Orchard Park, New York; sons, Darren Stohr of Cuba, New York, and Brian (Jennifer Coniglio) Stohr of Rochester, New York; son-in-law, Henry Heppner, Jr. of Orchard Park, New York; step-daughters, Susan (Howard) Hina of Olean, New York, and Anne Lamberton of Clayton, North Carolina; step-son, Bruce (Amber) Lamberton of Smithfield, North Carolina; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held in Garner, North Carolina, and a private funeral service will be held in Richburg, New York on October 10.