John Michael Studenka Obituary
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of John Michael Studenka, beloved husband and father on September 12, 2023, after a six-year battle with myelofibrosis. John was born in Monroe, Michigan on September 10, 1949, to John and Marie (Pastorek) Studenka. After moving to the Albany NY area as a young child, he attended Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1967. Upon receiving his BA at SUNY Buffalo in 1971, John was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
For over 30 years, John was proud to serve in the Marine Corps in various billets ranging from sea duty on the USS Long Beach, standing up barracks in Diego Garcia, and commanding the 1st Tank Battalion and Edson Range. After graduation from the National War College in Washington, D.C., he then served at the Pentagon before returning to Camp Pendleton. He was "Chief for Life" to many, an honorific he earned while serving tours as the Chief of Staff of both the 1st Marine Division and 1MEF. John valued his Marine Corps family, serving as Foundation President of the Marine Corps Tanker Association and regularly gathering with retired tankers to stay connected until his last few weeks of life. If you were a member of the Pit Stop crew, you were cherished.
Upon his retirement from the Marines, John became a project manager for a commercial builder, supervising the development of several regional grocery stores across the region. His grandchildren still derive satisfaction from shopping at a local Vons that inhabits the building their grandfather built in San Diego's Del Sur community.
John had many passions and a true love of music and musical theater, especially the Moonlight Theatre in Vista. He enjoyed playing accordion and guitar and had a wonderful singing voice. John was a life-long San Diego Padres and San Diego Chargers fan (yes, even after "San Diego" was nixed from their moniker). His passion for sports was born in his childhood, where he played baseball and football at CBA. Later, he would spend countless hours in the stands watching first his children, then his grandchildren, as they competed in their various sporting endeavors. He never missed the Triple Crown races, having developed his love of horses in his youth exercising harness racers at Saratoga. He was present for Swale's Kentucky Derby win in 1984, and once spent an afternoon with Secretariat. He knew all the stats about nearly every major player in the NFL and MLB and was a fan of collegiate basketball. The Aztecs' NCAA March Madness final game was a real highlight for him.
John's greatest joy was derived from his 54-year-long, loving relationship with his wife, Maureen. From their first meeting in high school to his last day, they were devoted to each other. He is survived by Maureen (Dolan), his children Suzanne (Studenka) Hall and Michael J. Studenka, and five grandchildren: Moira, Nora and Brogan Hall, and Thomas and Matthew Studenka. Survivorship also includes his three siblings: Sandy (Studenka) Arthur, Terese (Studenka) Dupont, and Jim Studenka, along with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
John's family would like to thank Drs. Caitlin Costello, Ryan Stewart, and Caesar Anderson, and the many doctors and nurses at UCSD who provided loving care during his lengthy illness.
A funeral mass is planned for 11:00 am on October 16, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Carlsbad, CA. Interment with military honors will follow at 1:00 at Miramar National Cemetery, Nobel Drive, San Diego. Reception to follow at MCRD's Bay View Restaurant. Due to base restrictions, those attending must complete the form found here (https://forms.gle) by 5pm on Sunday, October 8 to ensure entry to the base.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that for any donations in John's name, please consider the Marine Corps Tanker Association Scholarship Fund (https://www.usmctankers.org), P.O. Box, 20761, El Cajon, CA 92021; or Christian Brothers Academy (https://cbaalbany.org).
