John Edward “Jed” Stupak, III passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 2026 at the age of 63. Jed was born in 1963 in Inglewood, California, to John and Karen Stupak and raised in Goleta.

Jed had a great childhood riding bikes around with his friends, fishing, and going on hiking/camping trips with the Boy Scouts, where he would eventually become an Eagle Scout. He and his family went on countless RV trips across the country with family and friends.

Jedi graduated from Dos Pueblos High School, where he excelled in distance running. He then attended Santa Barbara City College and worked for Von’s Supermarket.

In 1996, Jed married his love Antonia Gauer. They lived in Santa Barbara until Jed retired from Von’s after 25 years.

In 2008, they moved to Bayfield, Colorado, to enjoy the beauty of the lakes, forests and excellent fishing he so loved. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

While living in Colorado Jed became a traffic control supervisor, a job he loved and took pride in. He took his job seriously, and kept commuters, and pedestrians safe on roads and highways.

Jed was charming and enjoyed entertaining his friends (and strangers) with many stories about nearly anything. His sense of humor had no bounds, and he could make anyone laugh.

He lived life to the fullest and was loved by all.  He will be forever missed but not forgotten.

He is predeceased by his father John; Uncle Red; and brother-in-law Freddy Gauer.

He is survived by his wife Antonia; mother Karen Stupak; brother James Stupak (Kelly); daughter Angelina Rhoads (Brian) and their two children; mother-in-law Ingrid Gauer; sister-in-law Andrea (Karl) Wollert; and many nieces and nephews he loved.

A celebration of Jed’s life will be held at Goleta Beach in early spring.