In Memoriam: John L. Stanton, PhD, 1945-2025

Saint Joseph’s University mourns the loss of John L. Stanton, PhD, longtime professor of food marketing, who passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, following a courageous battle with prolonged illness. Throughout his life, Stanton never lost his trademark wit, his unwavering dedication to his students or his relentless passion for research.

Stanton joined Saint Joseph’s University in 1984 as the inaugural McNutt Endowed Chair in Food Marketing. He held the position of professor of food marketing and served multiple terms as department chair, also directing a research center focused on food and health.

Alongside his academic contributions, Stanton had a distinguished career in industry. He served as vice president of marketing for Melitta coffee company and as director of research at Weightman Advertising. He also worked in Germany with Erivan  Haub of Tengelmann, after whom the Erivan K. Haub School of Business is named. 

An internationally renowned expert, Stanton consulted for an impressive range of leading food brands and commodities, including Campbell’s, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Kellogg and the Florida Department of Citrus, among others. He served on the Boards of Herr’s, Frankford Candy, Premio Foods, The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Company and other notable companies, and was an expert witness for countless food and beverage companies.

“John was not only a towering figure in the field of food marketing — he was also a dear friend and colleague for over three decades,” says Joseph A. DiAngelo, BS ’70, EdD, dean of the Haub School of Business. “His passion for teaching, boundless energy and unmistakable humor made him one of a kind. The Haub School, and the industry at large, are better because of him. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on in every student, faculty member and professional he inspired.”

Stanton made it a priority to infuse his expertise into Saint Joseph's curriculum. He pioneered graduate-level courses in private label sales and marketing strategy and helped launch the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Executive Program at SJU in the early 2000s — among the first of its kind at a major university. 

He was instrumental in launching the University’s first international study tours, the master’s in food marketing program and the international exchange program with University College Cork. His innovations in executive education and private label marketing curricula significantly enriched the program.

Outside of the classroom, he was an exceptionally prolific scholar who published over 150 articles in academic and trade journals, and more than 15 books — including titles such as “Winning Marketing Strategy,” “Precision Target Marketing,” “MORE Stanton on Food Marketing” and “Making Niche Marketing Work.” 

Stanton’s excellence was lauded internationally. He was a Fulbright Scholar, inducted into the Hall of Fame of the European Retail Institute and the Private Label Manufacturers Association, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Promotion Optimization Institute. Additionally, he received a variety of honorary degrees for his contributions to global food marketing.

Stanton’s expertise was sought far and wide. He appeared on national networks such as CNN, Fox Business, NBC Nightly News and the Today Show, and was quoted in major publications including Fortune, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age and Brand Week. He was most proud of an article he had published in the June 29, 1984, issue of the journal SCIENCE entitled, "Blood Pressure and Nutrient Intake in the U.S." 

His insights shaped major industry gatherings, as well. He spoke at conferences hosted by Dairy Management Inc., the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), National Restaurant Association (NRA), Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), and numerous international associations across Germany, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Japan and Singapore.

“Dr. Stanton was a visionary in food marketing whose global influence was matched only by his passion for students and his gigantic sense of humor. He brought brilliance, warmth and wit to everything he did — and leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations,” says Matthew Kelly, MBA, associate dean of undergraduate programs, Haub School of Business; and assistant professor of practice, finance.

Above all, Stanton’s professional devotion was to his students — mentoring them with warmth and a commitment that inspired generations. His family — loving wife Carol and children Bridget and Robert — were his greatest joy.

Gifts may be made to the John L. Stanton, PhD, Scholarship Fund to support future Food Marketing students — a lasting tribute to his lifelong dedication to education.