LONGPORT - John Stroebele was a fine man. Always welcoming, pleasant to speak with and a wealth of knowledge about Longport history.
He maintained a constant presence at American Legion events and was called on each year to insert the brick pavers inscribed with the names of honored veterans in the brick walkway beneath the sundial at Thomas B. Reed Memorial Park.
In 2023, he relayed to me the story of Capt. James Turner, a U.S. Coast Guardsman who was the lone survivor of a five-man crew that attempted to rescue a ship floundering in high seas off the coast near Steel Pier in Atlantic City.
He attended all Legion events, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, 911 and the Wounded Warrior Week welcome celebrations.
He will be greatly missed in the Longport community.
Here’s to you, John, with rye, not bourbon, in hand.
John Anthony Stroebele III Obituary
John Anthony Stroebele III, age 84, of Longport passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
John was born August 18, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Roger and Marjorie Stroebele. Although he lived in several different places in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, he was always most at home in Longport. John graduated from Fordham University and the Wharton School of Business. He went on to work for Bell Labs, AT&T, and later pursued his own technology ventures until his retirement. Retirement, however, was short-lived and he soon returned to the classroom as a professor, sharing his love of business.
John thrived by staying active and involved. In the summers he served as a lifeguard, and in the winters, he taught as a ski instructor. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served from 1966 to 2001, ending his service career as a colonel. John continued to serve the community as a member of the Longport Fire Department, the Longport Historical Society and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was also a member of the American Legion and was especially proud of their support for the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
Never one to sit still for long, John loved traveling both with the U.S. Army and recreationally. His hobbies included rowing, golfing, skiing, hunting and playing cards. He was blessed to be active until shortly before his death, and loved sharing his hobbies with family, especially his love for golf with his grandson. John was an avid reader with a particular interest in genealogy, often encouraging people to learn about his ancestors by reading “The Cannon King’s Daughter.”
John was preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Patricia, and his parents Roger and Marjorie Stroebele. He is survived by his four children, Lea (Eugene) Klein, John (Antoinette) Stroebele, Joseph Stroebele and Marjorie (Christian) Hafer; sister, Katherine Powell and his grandsons Eddie Klein, Thomas Klein, John Stroebele and Phillip Stroebele.
Remember John by enjoying a glass of bourbon, a good meal or a walk on the beach. Memorial contributions may be given to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
A viewing will be held 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Road, Linwood. An additional viewing will be held the following morning, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at Epiphany Church, 2801 Ventnor Ave., followed by 11 a.m. Mass. Interment will be private.
