John E. (Shorty) (Sid) Stockey passed away on May 9, 2023 at the age of 96. He was the husband of the late Frances (Sally) Stockey for 73 years. Together they raised 4 children, Shirley Golofski (Gerard), Gary (Patricia), the late Deborah Cinefra (Frank) and John Rebecca. Shorty was one of 4 children of John and Elizabeth Stockey whose families had recently immigrated to the U.S. To facilitate their assimilation into their new country, Elizabeth had a standing rule that family and friends must only speak English when they were in her home. Expanding upon that rule, Shorty (or "your Slap Happy Pappy" as he was commonly referred to) made a point to strengthen the English language skills of his 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren much in the manner of Norm Crosby.
In his younger years, Shorty displayed his baseball skills as a member of the Lawrenceville Tigers and then transitioned into his passion for golf. He was a U.S. Army veteran, who served during the waning hours of WWII. Shorty spent his working career at the Pittsburgh Press and Post-Gazette. Upon his retirement, he spent many hours gardening in his large backyard and developed a passion for growing tomatoes. He also put his artistic abilities on display by building wooden model ships and painting pictures (mostly landscapes). He made a point to provide pieces of his artwork to his children, grandchildren, other family members and friends.

The Stockey family would like to extend a giant "Thank You" to the staff of Bridges Hospice for the loving care they provided during Shorty's final days. Any donations can be made to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden (724-693-0700). As you tip your glass to toast Shorty this evening, please remember that Nostrovia ("for your health") can be roughly translated to "Nice Driveway".Friends and relatives are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church, 825 2nd St., Verona). Private interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Verona. Arrangements entrusted to BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.