John J. Avanzato

John J. Avanzato, 80, of Millsboro, Delaware peacefully passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loving family, on Monday, November 3, 2025.  Born in Wilmington on September 11, 1945, he was a son of the late Augustine and Theresa (Rocco) Avanzato.

John was a graduate of St. Anthony of Padua Grade School, Wilmington High School and attended Wilmington University.  He served with the Wilmington Police Department, having retired after 22 years and joined the State of Delaware Department of Corrections, where he worked in Internal Affairs.  His last employment was in security at Winterthur Museum, with retirement after 12 years of service. 

An avid outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting and fishing.  For many years, he and a close knit group of friends enjoyed weekly card games.  He also had a great talent for making jewelry, which he proudly gave to his family. 

John will be dearly missed by his wife of 53 years, Margaret “Peggi” (Blake) Avanzato; his children, Shawn Avanzato and wife, Rebecca, and Dawn Marie Melson; his granddaughters, Danielle Melson and Mackenzie McQuowen.  He is also survived by his sisters, Maryanne Arthurs and Michele Miranda; his brother, David Avanzato and wife, Gail; his brother-in-law, William Blake; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Scarpone and husband, Ralph; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Tuesday, November 11 from 9:30 – 10:45AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, immediately followed by entombment at Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to Easterseals – Gerogetown, 22317 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947 (www.demd.easterseals.com) or Delaware Hospice – Sussex County, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 (www.delawarehospice.org).

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