Matthew O. Staneck, Pastor

Matthew Staneck is pastor of St. John’s. The congregation called him to serve in 2017. Previously Staneck served as an associate pastor of True Light Lutheran Church in Manhattan from 2013–2017. He also served as a vicar (intern) at True Light in 2011–2012. Staneck is a 2013 graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and a 2009 graduate of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Other church service includes Circuit Visitor of Circuit 6 in the Atlantic District (2014–2017), member of the board of regents for Concordia College New York from 2018 until the college’s closing in 2021, member of the board of directors of Martin Luther School in Maspeth, Queens (2019–present), associate editor of the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau’s publication Lutheran Forum, and most recently as the 1st Vice President of the Atlantic District LCMS. He lives in Glendale with his wife Stephanie and their two children, Noah and Lydia.

Dominick Costanzo, Organist

Mr. Costanzo is a retired phone company engineer who dedicates his life to church music. Costanzo taught music to children at both St. John’s and Redeemer elementary schools until their closings. A pianist and composer by trade, Costanzo began to teach himself the pipe organ in 2016. He has conducted and orchestrated many church music events for St. John’s, his own local congregation, and the wider community. Costanzo lost his dear wife Hilde in January 2022 but he continues to find great joy in his 3 sons, 2 daughters-in law, and 5 grandchildren. Costanzo is an avid reader and golfer, he resides in Glendale.