58 of Holland, PA died Monday, October 25.  John was born in Stamford, CT in 1952, and was raised in North Brunswick, New Jersey.  He was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s High School in Metuchen.  He also graduated Cum Laude from the College of New Jersey.  John attended the Trenton Police Academy, and graduated in 1973. 

He became a patrol officer and initially served in both foot and motorized patrol capacity.  In 1980 he became one of the six original members of the Proactive Unit Number 2 which was formed to combat street crime.  Subsequently he was promoted Sergeant and went on to command the Proactive Unit Number 2 and he turned it into a highly successful unit, responsible for the arrest and successful prosecution of many criminal offenders.  John was then promoted to the Detective Bureau where he served as both Sergeant and Lieutenant. 

He commanded various units and at times all the units of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.  He supervised various criminal investigations which included many high profile homicide cases that resulted in the arrest and convictions of the offenders.  John was the recipient of many awards and commendations.  He was highly admired and considered as being one of the best Supervisors to have ever served in the Trenton Police department.  He retired as Detective Lieutenant of Homicide in 1998.

He is predeceased by his parents Jack and Virginia Stankard, and he is survived by his loving sisters Sally Searls, Barbara Franta (Tom), Elizabeth DeMuro, Carole Stankard, and Meg Rivers (Steve).  He is also survived by his nephew Staff Sgt. Jason Dolan, 5 nieces, several cousins,numerous loyal and loving friends and a special friend Anna Serrano.  Services and Interment will be Private.