John Warren Heckert's Obituary
John W. Heckert, age 84 passed away peacefully at Cadia Pike Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility, Wilmington, DE. John was born in Shamokin, PA to Warren and Clara((Wary)Heckert.
After beginning his Engineering degree at Drexel University, John was called to duty to serve on the USS Chevalier in the Philippines during WWII. After his return, John began working for The DuPont Company. In 1952, he married Dolores Szymczyk of Wilkes Barre, PA and they began living in Wilmington, DE. In 1954, they bought their first home in Brookside, where they began their family. In 1973, after taking night classes while working full-time, John completed his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering at the University of Delaware.
John dedicated 40 years to The DuPont Company before retiring to Rehoboth Beach, DE with Dolores, where they built a house of his own design.
John enjoyed the sun and sand, as well as his daily walks along the Boardwalk with Dolores. As loyal Blue Hens Football fans, John and Dolores made frequent trips to support the University of Delaware. Also lifelong Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fans, they rarely missed a game on TV. Recently, they also enjoyed following NASCAR.
John is survived by Dolores, his wife of 59 years and their three children; Robin Kauffman and her husband Larry, of Hainesport, NJ, Dr. Jeffrey Heckert, his wife Brenda and their son, Grayson of Lewes, DE and Keith Heckert and his fiancée, Elizabeth Watkins and his two children, Kristofer and Matthew of Newark, DE.
Friends may call at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM. Interment with full military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or Autism Delaware, 924 Old Harmony Rd., Suite 201, Newark, DE 19713.
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