John Stoffa

Stoffa graduated from the Nesquehoning High School and Pennsylvania State University before earning a master's degree at Kutztown University.[3] Stoffa served three years of active duty in the U.S. Army and two years in the reserves.[4] Stoffa achieved the rank of Sergeant as a tank commander. Stoffa was also active in the Lehigh Valley band scene, being an avid trumpeter, frequently organizing concerts throughout his life and supporting local marching bands.[5]

Prior to his election, Stoffa's only experience was serving a single term on the Northampton Area School Board, and being defeated in 2001 for a seat on the Northampton county council. He could've run as either a Democrat or Republican due to his conservative views. Stoffa was elected county commissioner after beating the incumbent fellow Democrat Glenn Reibman, defeating him with 52% of the vote to Reibman's 47%. Stoffa was also known for his close collaboration with Lehigh county commissioner Don Cunningham to work together on issues that effected the Lehigh Valley as a whole. He also greatly expanded the human services department to offer mental health care to citizens in need. One of Stoffa's key issues was to preserve farmland, at one point promising to raise taxes to do so, and despite this he won re-election.[4] Stoffa decided not to seek a third term in 2013, and retired in 2014. Stoffa was good friends with future Lehigh county commissioner Ken Mohr, when he worked as his administration director, and Lamont McClure, then a county councilmen who rose to become commissioner of Northampton County.[2]

Stoffa was remembered fondly by his former political coworkers. County councilors across the isle touted his bi-partisanship and desire to truly help the citizens of Northampton County.[2][6] He is also remembered for his support of Green spaces throughout the county.[1] McClure stated that Stoffa's role in bridging partisan disputes helped the council pass legislation and ordinance that helped the lives of Lehigh Valley residents, including expanding the county's Human Services department.[7]

Stoffa lived on a farm in Allen township with his wife Barbara, and had two sons.[4] Stoffa died on May 2, 2022, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg hospital at the age of 82.[2] Following his death, sitting Northampton county executive, Lamont McClure, ordered flags to be flown at half mast for mourning.[1][4] Stoffa served on the boards of over 40 charitable organizations in the Lehigh Valley including United Way, American Red Cross, New Bethany, Cities in Schools, Keenan House, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Turning Point Board, and the Downtown Allentown Kiwanis Club.[3]