Dr. John M. Stirna's Obituary
Dr. John Michael “MJ” Stirna II, age 88 passed away peacefully at his home in Gainesville, Florida, surrounded by his beloved wife, Virginia (“Gini”), and his family.
Born on February 8, 1937, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, John was the son of John and Helen Stirna, immigrants from Lithuania whose courage and determination helped shape the values he carried throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Noreika, and two of his twelve children, Mary Stirna and John Michael Stirna III.
With more than 60 years of medical service, Dr. Stirna was widely respected for his dedication to patient care and his advocacy for preventive health screenings, particularly through his work with veterans at the VA Hospital in Gainesville as well as the Ocala Veterans Administration Clinic.
Dr. Stirna graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1962 and completed his internship at Scranton State Hospital in his hometown. In July 1963, he opened his first medical practice, The Delaware Medical Center, in Narrowsburg, New York, where he proudly served as a trusted “country doctor” in family practice for decades. Later, he moved to Florida, continuing his service by specializing in geriatric home-based care at the VA hospital in Gainesville, Florida where he remained devoted to caring for others until his retirement.
The Stirna family’s deep roots in Scranton continue through Stirna’s Restaurant in North Scranton, a cherished local landmark frequently featured in community events.
Beyond medicine, John lived a full and joyful life centered on faith, family, and community. He was an active member of Holy Faith Catholic Church in Gainesville, sang in the church choir, and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Through a program he helped found called, The Woman’s Answer, Dr. Stirna devoted his knowledge, compassion, and time to supporting the dignity of life.
A man of boundless enthusiasm and imagination, John believed that “if you could dream it, you could do it.” He delighted his family with music, often playing harmonica or banjo at gatherings, tending his garden, and picking fresh grapefruit each morning. His adventurous spirit created countless family memories—from tapping neighborhood maple trees and turning a tennis court into a skating ring, to purchase a school bus in 1976, painting it red, white, and blue, and taking his family on an unforgettable two-week camping adventure simply because he dreamed it could be done. He truly embodied the spirit of the “lovable Lithuanian living the American dream.”
Dr. John Michael Stirna will be forever remembered for his faith, his compassion, his sense of humor, and his zeal for life. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Gini; his children Elana and Norm Gaulsow, Katrina and Gary Hankins, Evelyn and Scott Bjornson, Michael and Leah Stirna, Michelle and Tim Scott, William and Amy Stirna, Magdalena and Greg Gordon, Joseph and Kelli Stirna, Virginia and Jim McFadden, Robert and Meaghan Stirna; and his 39 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Holy Faith Catholic Church,747 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32607 with viewing one hour prior at 1:00 p.m.
The family will receive friends for a Wake at Holy Faith Catholic Church,747 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32607 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to A Women’s Answer, (352) 367-2716,1219 NW 10th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32607, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TLYT9W3GMJM5W. in memory of John M. Stirna.
What’s your fondest memory of Dr. John?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dr. John?
Share a story where Dr. John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dr. John you’ll never forget.
How did Dr. John make you smile?