Bruce Stoneback Obituary

Mr. Stoneback had an influence on my that I will never forget. Despite being unsure of any college plans and my future in general, he showed an interest in me and provided encouragement. He seemed confident that I would find my way, even when I was not sure I would. His words (and those of Mrs. Armstrong) always stuck with me as I eventually made my way back to education. Bruce is a teacher worth emulating.

Diane - it has been many years since you and Bruce entertained a group of us from the cast of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for dinner in your home. I remember both you and Bruce as gracious hosts who took a genuine interest in those of us who were high school students. I am sorry for your loss, and grateful for Bruce's life. Grace and peace to you,
David Miller (PHS '74)

Diane,
I was so sorry to hear about Bruce. Although we haven't stayed in touch since school, I have so many great memories of our "gang" that did so many things together. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Bruce - the members of the Class of 1968 were remembering you and Diane with much fondness last Sunday evening at our reunion. Your life after high school sounded amazing and makes me want to be a better person.

Carol Cressman Edge

I want to express my condolences Mr. Stoneback was one of my favorite teachers in high school (and I only had two)> I always checked up to see how he was doing through a fellow co-worker who was also my #2 favorite teacher. I only wish I could have paid my respects. All I can say he was a very caring and fair teacher and person he treated everyone fairly. If you needed help he was always there to lend a helping hand. Thanks to him my senior year and his fellow co-worker Mr. Bryan I got out of my learning support classes they both believed in me and thats means more to any school aged person.. Mr. Stoneback you were loved and thank you for taking me under your wing just wish I could have seen you before this.. God bless..

Mr. Stoneback was one of the best teachers I've had - ever. I barely had college plans while in high school, but Mr. Stoneback saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. He was a mentor and friend who encouraged me to reach my potential. I credit encouragement from him (and Mrs. Armstrong) for giving me the motivation to eventually find my way back to college. He attended my induction ceremony for the Pennridge "Wall of Fame", and it was a joy to see him and have the feeling that I finally made him proud. As a teacher and mentor at Lehigh University, I hope I can inspire students half as well as Bruce did. He was an outstanding individual that I know will be missed.

-John DuPont, class of 1982

Dear Diane and family,
We will miss Bruce. We especially had lots of fun with Bruce when we were kids.
Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Love,
Lynne & Arlette

Over 40 years of treasured memories of a truly wonderful friend to us and our families in Scotland. From our first encounter, when we tried to fit Bruce's larger than life frame into the world's smallest guest bed, through our first experiences of American food in those wonderful food parcels, our first tentative visit to America 25 years ago when Bruce, Diane and her parents Dick and Francis proved that jet planes really can take Scottish people in the opposite direction, he was a constant elder and wiser brother to us all.

Rest in peace, Bruce.

All our love, Angus, Donna, Adam & Paul Sturrock, Dave Sturrock, Andrina Robb & Stewart Sturrock.

Dear Diane and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I have many fond memories of him. Peace be with you in this difficult time.

Also, for those of you not familiar with facebook, there is a Pennridge Area Living Memorial page/group where so many of his former students are "commenting" on his passing sharing stories and saying great things about our favorite Mr. Stoneback. I hope that his family will take the time to read the posts, and they can find heartwarming comfort in knowing what a difference he made in so many lives. Thank you, Lisa Bolton

He was the best teacher I ever had! EVER! I graduated in 1985, and I believe I was part of the only English class that he had ever invited to his home for a picnic. He made such a difference in my life; I use all that he taught me in every day life! My favorite memory is that there is no such word as "snuck" . . . he always said "do you wear snuckers" . . . no, you wear sneakers . . . therefore, the correct word is "sneaked" . . . and I giggle when I hear people saying they snuck "into a room" or something . . . it is rare to hear people use the correct word of "sneaked" . . . I am very thankful for the life of Mr. Stoneback.

"No question is a stupid question. Not asking questions is stupid". I'm asking questions, Mr. Stoneback... and I finally learned that lesson you taught me when you gave me that 198. Just a couple of things I took away from our class.

I wish I could still talk to you, learn, and hear your advice.

Someday, Mr. Stoneback. :]

Love and Blessings.

Diane,My thoughts and prayers are with you andyour family. Karlene Hinkle

Dear Diane, We are in Quakertown for our class reunion. We were so sorry to hear that Bruce has passed away. You both were such an important part of our class. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

He was an outstanding teacher. He had a very kind spirit. I will always have fond memories of him from HS. Much love to your family during this difficult time.

Athough I did not have Mr. Stoneback during my years at Pennridge I can attest that he certainly was a distinguished English teacher indeed. Many of my classmates had the pleasure of learning from him and took so much from him and will remember forever. My sincerest condolences to the family at this time of sorrow. I hope your memories will help heal your pain. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Sincerest condolences from the Filipos family. May his memory be eternal.

Diane,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Bruce will greatly be missed.
Ken

Our prayers are with your family. Bruce will be greatly missed.
Ken Roth

Diane
I hold many fond memories of my experiences with Bruce during our years in high school together. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dearest Diane & Family ,I am so saddened for your loss , I no you had a wonderful husband/ dad I remember when you got married and Gary talked about it he liked you and bruce he said cool couple he loved hearing about you and bruce and the kids ....I cant offer more than a shoulder to cry on if indeed ever needed I no what your going through if you ever need to share or cry or talk I am here for you ..... a long time friend Barb Fidler ( gary)

Diane,
You were always careful to mention your care of your husband without mentioning specifics. What an interesting guy! My condolences to you and your family.

Diane & family,
So sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories get you thru this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Robert & Mary (Landis) Schulberger

Diane,
May you find comfort in memories of you shared life with Bruce.
Mary

Mr. Stoneback was my favorite teacher in high school. The English education he provided me was far superior to anything I received in college. More than 18 years have passed since my time in Mr. Stoneback's classes, but his lessons continue to benefit me in my professional pursuits. Mr. Stoneback meant a great deal to me and many other students. Godspeed to an amazing man.

Diane,

May you find comfort in memories of your shared life with Bruce.

Mary
(I worked with you many years ago in Emmaus.)