John Paul Stachnik

John Paul Stachnik, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and widely respected tourism industry entrepreneur; passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, in his home in St. Petersburg, FL. He was 82 years old. 

John and his wife and partner, Mary, founded Mayflower Tours, a highly respected tour company they owned and operated from 1979 until their retirement in 2018. John was born and raised in the Greater Chicagoland area, and graduated from Marquette University. John met his wife Mary at Marquette and they married in 1965.  The Stachniks have two children, Molly Stachnik Uteg (partner Bart Zirkle), and John Jr. (Carrie) as well as five grandchildren,  Sophia,  Henry, Coco, Jack and Nicholas, to whom he was known as their Papa.  John is survived by his wife, Mary, his beloved sister Kathy Cesario (Bill), and his brother-in-law, James Peterson (Melissa). He is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Kathryn Stachnik, his sister Genevieve, and his brothers-in-law Joseph Cesario and Thomas Peterson.

John and Mary have a wide circle of treasured friends from Immaculate Conception High School, Marquette University (the Rabbits), the town of Downers Grove, IL., where they lived and worked for over 48 years, and friends and colleagues from all over the world in the travel industry.  John had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and chosen family whom he loved dearly.

John had boundless energy and was the consummate entrepreneur who always extended himself in his chosen industry and became recognized as the guy who would “get it done.”  He and Mary became active in the National Tour Association where he eventually was elected Chairman of the Board.  He also became instrumental on the board of the United States Tour Operators Association, serving as chairman for two terms there as well. As an outgrowth of his role in those organizations, he was a co-founder of Tourism Cares, the leading philanthropic organization in the travel industry. 

In both his personal and professional life, John was always revered for his cheerful energy, optimism, honesty, integrity and a pace that no one could match. He was a caring and constant mentor to his own employees, and to his countless friends and colleagues in the travel industry. 

John’s interests varied from travel, to reading, and to playing golf; ever the high achiever, he made five holes-in-one during his golf career. 

He chose to retire to his favorite place, St. Petersburg, FL.  A true dreamer, he always saw the potential of the community, and would drive the streets looking for the perfect lot.  In 2010, Mary and John purchased their dream home on Snell Island, with the best view in town.   

Above all else, John’s greatest achievement and joy was spending time with his devoted wife Mary, who referred to him as “Mr. Wonderful,” and his world revolved around his family and friends.