John Louis Tentromono

John L. Tentromono, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and educator, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

John was born in Shamokin, PA on Oct.11, 1939, and was a 1957 graduate of Shamokin Catholic High School. He graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1961 with a Major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Physics. He earned his Master's degree in Natural Science in 1967 from the University of Delaware. He pursued additional graduate studies at Bucknell University, and the University of Kansas. Throughout his 39 years as an educator John taught at Stanton Junior High School, Skyline Junior High School and Alexis I. Du Pont High School. During that time he also served as Department Chairperson and as Chairperson of numerous curriculum committees. John spent over 30 years as an administrator in the Red Clay Consolidate School District. He served as Assistant Principal, Principal of Skyline Middle School for 21 years, and Assistant to the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer in the Red Clay School District. While John was principal at Skyline Middle School, Skyline was nominated for the National Blue Ribbon School Award by the Delaware State Department of Education, in 1982, 1983 and 1984. Skyline received the Blue Ribbon Award in 1984. John had the opportunity and privilege to attend a reception at the White House where President Reagan welcomed and congratulated all Blue Ribbon Schools. In 1991, John was selected as Delaware's Secondary Principal of the Year. He had the opportunity and honor of representing Delaware Secondary Schools at a ceremony in Washington DC. At that time he also had the opportunity to meet and discuss educational issues with the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Ted Kennedy. John frequently said his most enjoyable years in education were his teaching years and the years he spent as Principal of Skyline Middle School. The needs of his students were always his highest priority. He recognized that good teachers were the most important factor in ensuring student success and encouraged, assisted and supported his teachers as much as possible. He firmly believed that if his teachers were well trained, successful, positive and happy, their students would also be successful. John was passionate about his work and truly loved the Red Clay School Community in which he worked and lived. John was inducted into the Red Clay Educational Hall of Fame in 2017.

In addition to his passion for education the only thing that ranked higher was John's love for his family. He enjoyed immensely family dinners, family gatherings and vacations at the beaches in DE and NC. In recent years he enjoyed spending summers at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach DE. He also had a special place in his heart for the many family pets. His wife, Marion showed him through her love of animals to see the uniqueness of all animals and to love and respect them. They were always part of family activities and considered family members. John also enjoyed trying to play golf, all types of music, theater, reading, exercise, the beach and target shooting with his bother Lou.

John was married to the love of his life, Marion, the former Marion “Cookie” Shukitt for over 64 years. They meet in high school and were virtually inseparable. They were the very best of friends. They had the good fortune of having a wonderful, caring daughter Nicol Ann Tentromono Alexander. Nicol is married to Brad Alexander. In 2014 there was a wonderful addition to their family: grandson, Ethan John Alexander was born. What great joy and happiness he has brought to our family. He is a loving, affectionate little boy who loved his pap pap (John) very much. John and Marion were so happy to experience being grandparents this late in their lives. John loved Ethan very much!

In the last years of his life John frequently commented on what a wonderful life he has had and how fortunate to have had a loving , devoted wife and daughter, grandson, son-in- law, family and friends. He also expressed what great satisfaction he felt working in  the field of education and hoped in some way he made a difference.

John is survived by his wife, Marion; daughter, Nicol Alexander (Brad), grandson, Ethan; brother, Lou (Ginny); and his beloved pet, Bella.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 3:00pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, where family and friends may visit beginning at 2:00pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

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