OBITUARIES - 2/17/16

Feb. 1, 2016

John Townley

John P. Townley, 91, formerly of Deerfield Beach, Florida, died on Feb. 9 at home with his son Michael and his family in South Plainfield, New Jersey. John was born (Dec. 28, 1924) and raised in Plainfield, NJ. He and his late wife, Gloria, returned to New Jersey in 2010 from a 35 year retirement in Florida to live with Michael, his wife Janet, and their son, Jack.

John was the former fire chief for the City of Plainfield, having begun his career in 1946 after proudly serving his country during World War II as a United States Marine. His wartime service was spent in the South Pacific, surviving battles on Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. John was a prime example of the saying "Once a Marine, always a Marine." It was a badge of honor that he proudly wore every day of his life. 

In 2015, he was privileged to ride as a guest of honor in the John Basilone Medal of Honor Memorial Parade in Raritan. John was a founder of the Florida Half Century Softball League and spent many years playing softball with the Deerfield Beach 50+, 60+, and 70+ teams, among others. He and Gloria enjoyed the many friends they made at softball tournaments all over Florida. He was elected to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2000, an honor that he cherished. 

John leaves his sons, John and Donna in Sugar Land, TX; Michael and Janet of South Plainfield; and Jim and Anne of Wycoff, NJ; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

"He was a great man," said JB Barner, current Florida Half Century Commissioner and SSUSA National Director, who had known John since 1993. "John was hard-nosed marine who would take a bunch of guys to Parris Island every year. We shared a togetherness as veterans (JB was in the Air Force) and talked about life."

"John Townley was a true visionary and pioneer of senior softball, launching the Florida Half Century Club as the first state-wide organization in the sport.  He will be missed," said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA's chief executive officer.

Emmet Stormo

Emmet J. Stormo Jr., 63, of Ridgefield, Washington, passed away suddenly on Jan. 27 after suffering a heart attack at Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver, WA. 

Emmet spent the majority of his time in Senior Softball USA playing for W.E. Ruth Realty. He also played with Metro Construction, Goodman Racing and NW Masters.

Emmet was born in Monroe, WA and graduated from Lake Stevens High School. He received an Associate of Forestry degree from Everett Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources from George Fox College. Emmet retired from the Washington State Patrol as a lieutenant after 25 years, serving in many positions including their motorcycle unit, lead instructor of the Patrol's motorcycle program, Executive Protection Unit protecting two governors, and Investigative Assistance Division. Emmet later worked for the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division as a wildlife officer, was an assistant chief with the University of Washington Police Department, and was the director of Public Safety at Harborview Medical Center. 

Emmet enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter, softball player and golfer. 

Emmet is survived by his wife, Vicky Stormo; and children Chad Stormo, Trisha Stormo and Jimmy Gilbert. He is also survived by his mother, Elreen Stormo; brother, George Stormo; sister, Beverly Vodegel; three granddaughters and three grandsons.

 
Cindi Arnold

Cindi Arnold, 57, an umpire with Senior Softball USA, passed away on Jan. 27. She had battled pancreatic cancer over most of last year. Cindi was born on May 27, 1958.

Besides being an SSUSA umpire, Cindi was also a registered ASA, NCAA and ISF softball umpire for more than 20 years. 

She worked in many championships, loved to teach others and had a passion for instructing umpires. She had a love for the game and gained the respect of her peers by her knowledge of the game and the kind way she treated others. 

 
Steve Marshall

Stephen James Marshall, 66, died Feb. 2 from a heart attack.

Steve most recently played with Rocco's 60's. He also played with OTD and spent the majority of his time in Senior Softball with Tuscon Bandits. Other teams that Steve played with include Dugout Sports/Nova 55, Tuscon Players and Player's Pub.

Steve was born in Champaign, Illinois on Nov. 12, 1949. He attended the University of Illinois and moved to Tucson, AZ in 1973. 

Steve co-owned Last Chance Pizza Mill on Speedway from 1974-1984. He then joined Long Reality as a realtor for 30 years. Steve was an avid softball player from 1973 to present.

Steve is survived by his wife Yanjie Sun, his parents Byron and Evelyn Marshall, brothers; Mike (Jan) and John and nephew William "Alex" Marshall.

 
Chester Freeman

Chester Freeman, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away on Feb. 2 from a heart attack. He was born on April 30, 1957.

Chester served as the team manager of Tennessee Connection in 2015 and also previously played for Monster Softball.

Friend and teammate Louis Price described Chester as "well-liked and well-respected." Chester loved the game of softball and was looking forward to the upcoming season. Chester, along with Louis and another friend, started the team Tennessee Connection, T-Connection for short, with players from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Chester was a master electrician who owned his own company, F & F Enterprise Electric. 

 
Thomas Morgan

Thomas "TP" Morgan, 74, of Middleburg, Florida passed away on Feb. 16. He was born on Sep. 17, 1941. 

Thomas most recently played with Talon Wealth Management (now TB Financial Group), Men's 70, in 2014. He also participated in several international goodwill trips with SSUSA, traveling to Ireland, France, Italy, Germany and Japan to name a few. He also played on numerous teams in Florida, as well as the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah.

Thomas spent 23 years in the Navy, where he served as a weather forecaster. Following his retirement from the Navy, Thomas worked in Real Estate. 

"TP was a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a good friend.  His smile and personality were contagious and broke through any language barrier -- and he was an outstanding outfielder!" said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA's chief executive officer.