John J. Deklerow, Sr.

John J. Deklerow, Sr., age 95, of Millsboro, DE, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

John was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised by his grandmother from Austrian/German/Polish background. Times were hard when he was growing up, so he joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp), which was one of the programs set up by F.D.R. At seventeen, John lied about his age and joined the U.S. Army. He went through all of World War II starting with the D-Day invasion, Battles of the Bulge, etc. Three months after being discharged he joined the U.S. Navy for two years, where he was put in charge of boot camp and then was assigned to meat cutters duties. During this time, the Wilmington “Y” sponsored trips to Bainbridge, MD to entertain the recruits and at one of these dances John met the love of his life and future wife, Eleanor.

After his two year stint in the Navy, John and Eleanor returned to Wilmington to raise a family. He then began a 32 year career at General Motors as an upholsterer before retiring in 1979. John believed he inherited his sewing aptitude from his father, who was a tailor. He also started a repair shop from his home, where he made seat covers and tote bags. He also had made a cover for the billiard table.

Through the years, John was very active volunteering at St. Mary’s Parish at 6th and Pine St., as he lived right across the street. He also volunteered wherever he could and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. In his spare time, John was an avid coupon clipper and enjoyed playing the slots.

John was a man who touched so many lives while living his. He will be remembered every day by his family in their thoughts and memories. John will dearly missed by all who met him for his kind and generous heart and fun loving personality. He was quite a character, who could always be found “hamming it up”.

John was predeceased by his loving wife, Eleanor A. (Britton) Deklerow, and his son, John J. Deklerow, Jr. He is survived by his son, Peter S. Deklerow (Barbara); his grandchildren, Celeste Price (Steve), Jocelyn Krause (Robert), and Tanner Deklerow; and his great grandchildren, Steve Price II, John and Samantha Price, Lillian Daughton, and Haley Krause.

John’s family would like to thank everyone at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford for their loving care and support.

Services and interment will be private.

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