John Francis Tirrell

On Saturday July 22, 2017, God called His faithful servant, John, home to be with Him for all eternity.  He bravely faced his journey with his children and grandchildren by his side.  

John was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on December 14, 1925 to Phillip and Anna (Gorman) Tirrell.  After graduating from Phillipsburg High School in 1942, he was accepted into the College of Engineering at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.  He met his future bride, Dolores at St. Luke’s Hospital when she provided care for him after he was injured playing football at Lehigh University.  Upon graduation from Lehigh, John and Dolores were married, and together raised six beautiful children; Carol, Cathy, Alicia, John, Michael, and Jennifer.  The Family Tree now includes 25 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  

 John and Dolores moved to Delaware in 1954 after John joined the DuPont Company.  John worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Textile Fibers Division of the DuPont Company for 45 years.  He was a lifelong member of the Toastmasters International Club.  He was a devout member of St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church.  John was a dedicated volunteer for youth organizations such as The Boy Scouts of America, the John Dickinson High School Band Boosters, and the Midway Little League which he helped found in 1964.  He served in many capacities, such as Coach, Manager, Umpire, Board Member, Executive Vice President and President of the League.  The Midway Little League honored him by naming their Junior/Senior baseball diamond, “John F. Tirrell Field”.  Since 2007, the Midway Little League has presented the “John F. Tirrell Trophy” to a Majors division player who demonstrates the qualities of Sportsmanship, Leadership, Citizenship, Hard Work, and Hustle.  He was inducted into the Delaware Coaches Association, Baseball Hall of Fame on June 13, 2016.  He was also a card-carrying member of the McDonald’s Morning Group where “world matters, politics, and other important matters are discussed at length.”   

John lived a life of service to others; always putting the needs of others ahead of his own.  He loved his wife and his family and provided excellent care for all.  John and Dolores were married for nearly 60 years, with his dear wife departing this life just 20 days before their 60th wedding anniversary.  He is survived by his 6 children; Carol (Ray), Cathy, Alicia (Pat), John, Michael (Cheryl), Jennifer (John), 25 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.  He showed the love of Jesus as he gave sacrificially of himself.  John loved God, country, and his family with all his heart.  He had a strong work ethic; up early for work, home late, long hours at the baseball field.  He did household administration in the evenings and helped with homework.  He set a great example for others to follow.  He was always prepared to discuss history, politics, engineering, mathematics, science, or any other topic of interest to his audience.  He left this world a better place than he found it.  He will be sorely missed.  Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, July 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 and a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am Friday, July 28 at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Rd., Wilmington, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950, or a charity of your choice.  

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