John Patrick Stelly

John Patrick Stelly was born to Leo and Marie Stelly in Detroit Michigan, October 14, 1946. He joined the monastery following graduation from Detroit Catholic Central, and then attended the University of Detroit. The sixties found him exploring the East Coast, where he called Cape Cod home for a period of time. The early seventies took him West, and he settled in Santa Barbara. He worked for Haagen Printing, met and married his wife Joan, and raised their children Amber and Ron. He was a natural for calling the plays as the announcer for Ron’s Little League games, and enjoyed playing softball with the Santa Barbara Men’s Softball League. Following their dreams of building a house and starting a business, John and Joan moved to Apple Valley, California in 1980. In 1991, the Stellys moved their microfilm business and home to Simi Valley, California to be closer to extended family. Next to his grandchildren, John loved golf and his pontoon boat. He was an active member of Laguna Vista Boat Club for over twenty-five years. He served on the board as president and then as secretary for a combined term of over fifteen years. John enjoyed the community of the club, work parties, BBQ’s, and sharing spontaneous boat rides with friends. He loved sunset cruises, exploring the lake at midnight, and simply being anchored in a cove on a warm day. John was an avid golfer. He enjoyed his membership with The Gold Coast Plumbers and Peddlers, and was the handicap chairman for several years. He was also a member of Simi Hills Men’s Golf Club, where he played for the Men’s Senior League. John played many challenging courses - Pebble Beach was a highlight. More recently, John liked to say, a good day golfing was when he broke a 100 playing with one ball. Since retiring John enjoyed spending time traveling with family and friends, making “Kenny wine”, lake trips and BBQ’s. He also enjoyed cocktails at Harry’s, his feet in the sand at Shoreline, and a cold Coors Light on ice anywhere, anytime. John was predeceased by his parents, older brother, Frank and younger sister, Mary. He is survived by his wife Joan of 43 years, his children: Amber Greenelsh (Scott), Ronald Isbell, and his three grandchildren, Garrick Greenelsh, Cailin Greenelsh, and Dylan Stevens. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Stelly (D’Ann) of Royal Oak, Michigan and his sister in law, Janet Stelly, of Thousand Oaks California. John loved life and was known for his easy smile, dry sense of humor, and his kind and generous heart. A celebration of life is planned for John on January 9, between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm at Mulligans Café and Bar, at the Santa Barbara Golf Club, 3500 McCaw Ave. Santa Barbara, Ca. 93105. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Jude’s or the charity of your choice.

John Patrick Stelly

October 14, 1946 - December 10, 2021