Alfred J. Stango

Alfred J. Stango, age 88, most recently of Monroe Township, NJ, formerly of Springfield, PA, died peacefully in the early morning of August 20, 2021.  He was born in South Philadelphia on April 18, 1933 to Joseph and Lucy Stango.  After graduating from South Philadelphia High School in 1950, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Villanova University.  He later served in the U.S Army as a journalist for the 'Stars and Stripes' newspaper, shortly after the Korean war ended.  Al later received a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University.  He started his teaching career at the George W. Childs School in South Philadelphia and spent more than 35 years at Masterman High School in Philadelphia as a physical education teacher and administrator.

He met the love of his life, Grace, on the beach in Seaside Heights, NJ, and they were married in 1963.  The couple and their son Joseph and daughter Diane settled in Springfield, PA.  Al and Grace were married for more than 36 years.  Al lived in Springfield until 2016, later moving to Wallingford, PA and Monroe Township, NJ. 

Al was gifted with many talents.  He excelled at basketball and baseball at South Philadelphia High School and was inducted to their Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.  He loved to play golf at Springfield Country Club and meet his high school pals for lunch at the Penrose Diner.  A self-taught artist, Al did countless paintings for family and friends and had a special appreciation for classical music and opera. He loved listening to his CD collection with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole as two of his favorites. He enjoyed horse racing at Philadelphia Park, Brandywine and the Preakness, and tailgating with the 'Cousins Club' (Al, Grace, Anita, Bill, Lep and Ron) at the Army Navy football games. Al was a huge baseball fan and attended many Phillies games with his son Joe and was thrilled to visit Fenway Park when his daughter moved to Boston. He was blessed to be very active up until his early eighties.  He loved to cook, take walks at Ridley Creek State Park, play cards with friends, and take trips to Atlantic City. However, Al's favorite role was being Pop Pop to his 4 grandchildren. He was a doting, loving and generous role model for all that knew him. 

Al was the beloved husband of the late Grace J. (nee Russoniello). Devoted father of Joseph T. Stango (Nancy) of Manalapan, NJ., and Diane Lania (Erik) of East Walpole, MA.  Loving Pop Pop to Jason, Allison, Jake and Ryan.  Brother of the late Jovina Farrell (late James), Laura Marrone (late Angelo), Jean Puleo (Joseph) and Uncle to several nieces and nephews.  Brother-in-law of Anita DeRosa (Bill) and dear friend of Helen Valerio.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation service on Saturday, August 28, 10AM at St. Francis of Assis,136 Saxer Ave, Springfield, PA 19064. Followed by Mass at 11AM and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN  38105-1942.