John was an athlete all his life, until a stroke in 2015 limited his activities. Soccer was a major part of his life. He started the Under 6 boys soccer program for Gladwyne Sports Association in 1968 because his son John, Jr. was 6 and there was nowhere, not even school, for him to play. It's the same reason John founded the Under 6 girls soccer program in 1972 at Gladwyne Sports Association for his daughter Amy. The soccer programs at Gladwyne Sports Association would change name to Lower Merion Soccer Club in 1989.

John played soccer himself into his 40s but stopped playing in favor of a family favorite, skiing. His wedding to Peggy saw them plan their wedding date be determined by his soccer schedule, something Peggy did not understand at the time. John and Peggy were married for 66 years. In 2009 John was very proud to be inducted into the Lower Merion High School Soccer Hall of Fame where he was co-captain. John was also co-captain of soccer at Lafayette College. He arranged for Peggy, son John and himself to follow the US National Team through France for the 1998 World Cup. John saw the National Teams play many times at various venues in the States and was excited about the World Cup 2026 in the United States, fully intending to be here for that event.

Donations in his name may be made to the Lower Merion Soccer Club.

Lower Merion Soccer Club would like to thank John for making our organization what it is today, offering programs to children ages 3-18, an Adult Women's Team and a Special Needs Program. LMSC has over 2300 people play soccer each year, thanks to John's efforts in the 1960s and 1970s.


Sincerely,

Biff Sturla
President
Lower Merion Soccer Club



READ JOHN'S OBITUARY