Jack Lawerence Stolfo

Born May 24, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to Clara and Lorenzo, Jack was a first-generation American who came from very humble beginnings. His hardworking father modeled perseverance, and Jack followed that example from an early age. He worked to support his own needs, education, and first car, taking jobs as a caddy by day and a dishwasher at night. Even then, he possessed an entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit that would remain with him throughout his life.

At 18, Jack moved to California and soon after began traveling across the country working in sales. It wasn’t long before he started his own sales crew. Charismatic and a natural leader, Jack had a rare gift for inspiring people to believe in themselves beyond what they thought possible. He genuinely cared about the success of others and led with encouragement and confidence. His entrepreneurial spirit continued throughout his life as he started many different businesses, but perhaps none brought him more joy than his decades-long love of horses and horse racing with life long friends.

Always open to new adventures, Jack once joked at age 60, “I still don’t know what I want to do for a career,” a nod to his desire to keep exploring and never settle for the mundane. He could entertain a room for hours with his countless life stories and uncanny ability to land a punchline, joining in with a boisterous laugh that could be heard across a restaurant. Speaking of restaurants, sharing a meal with friends or loved ones was one of Jack’s greatest pleasures. Without fail, he picked up the tab, a battle no one ever won. His generosity was simply who he was.

At age 70, Jack retired and focused all of his energy on his beloved children and grandchildren. As his sons, daughters, and grandchildren can all attest, these last 15 years with “Dad,” “Papa,” and “Grandpa” were deeply meaningful. Nothing brought him more joy than being with his family, especially seeing everyone together. We will always remember his excitement for life, for his people, and even for the little discoveries he couldn’t wait to share: “Oh, they have the best breakfast… I can’t wait to take you there!”

Even in retirement, Jack was uniquely Jack, enjoying his cigars and riding his Harley until he was 80 years old. Even at 85, he was hard to slow down, still driving his Tesla Model S Plaid and proudly showing us what 0–60 in around two seconds felt like.

Jack lived a life overflowing with stories, adventures, and relationships that shaped him, and all of us, in lasting ways. To know him was to experience his kindness, humor, courage, and an infectious enthusiasm that never faded. He brought joy into ordinary moments and made every gathering feel bigger, brighter, and more alive. He impacted people in more ways than are easily described.

He was the kind of man you could always count on. He was steady, courageous, and deeply dependable, someone others trusted when it mattered most. In moments of crisis, he didn’t hesitate or panic, he remained calm and ready to help.

Though we will miss him deeply, we are profoundly grateful for the years we shared and the memories he gave us. He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remain the greatest testament to his life and heart.

Jack passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 21, 2025, and is laid to rest at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. A Celebration of Life with friends and family will be held January 17, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he spent most of his final years.