Ian's obituary
On September 12, 2025, Ian Michael Stasko, abruptly and prematurely, had his life on earth ended by a force of nature.
Born February 5, 2000, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Ian was the son of Michelle Sirch and Gary Stasko. He enjoyed a particularly close relationship with his younger sister, Dylan Stasko. He was so very proud to call her his sister. They treasured their relationship.
Ian was a gifted athlete, moving his body with ease and confidence regardless of the sport. Ian mastered anything having to do with nature, sharing this passion
with his friends and family.
Ian took two gap years after graduating from
Albemarle High School. Residing with his grandmother, “Mimi”, in Avalon, NJ, he worked for Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm and obtained his New Jersey Real Estate license.
Ian graduated from James Madison University in 2024 with a BA in Business, becoming a member of Sigma Epsilon Fraternity; dedicated to mentoring new pledges. Ian participated in the prestigious Rainey- Shepard COB 300 Business Plan Competition. His team was awarded the Joyce Guthrie Team Award for best team and product idea, & Ian the Braun Jones MVP award. The Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship also awarded him seed money to start his Timber 360 business.
Ian’s senior year culminated in his capstone project: The Solution: Conscious Evolution (on YouTube). He was committed to making the world a better place, creating a new paradigm for restoring balance. This paradigm became the foundation for Ian’s business model: How the River Turns (HTRT).
Ian embraced opportunities to grow, learning by doing. With infectious enthusiasm, Ian created experiences with rope swings, sledding hills, fishing expeditions, winch waking, music & food; bringing joy and incredible memories to all. He was a charismatic young man who genuinely cared about people, inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves.
Please join us on Saturday, December 27th, at Camp Holiday Trails: 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, Va., where we will gather in the Dining Hall at 1:00 to celebrate his spirit & the myriad ways he left his mark on our lives for the better. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made with JMU’s Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship, enhancing opportunities for future business students.