John Leonard Simpson's Obituary
John L ‘Jack’ Simpson, age 85, of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 3, 2026. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on November 7, 1940, he was the son of the late John J. and Mary A. Simpson. Jack graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958 and went on to continue his education at the IBM Computer School, Pennsylvania State University, and University of Delaware. In 1962, he joined the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, and proudly served his country as an auto mechanic, medical personnel, and marksman. Following his active duty, he served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged. Jack went on to build a successful 34-year career as a research technician at DuPont’s Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE, retiring in 2000.
On July 7, 1962, Jack married the love of his life, Mary Ann (Cardell). Together, they shared 63 beautiful years centered on their faith, family, a love of travel, and time spent at the beach. They began their life together in Wilkes-Barre, PA, before moving to Wilmington, DE, in 1966, and eventually retiring to Lewes, DE, in 2000.
He is survived by his children: Michele (Roger) of Lewes, DE; John (Alisa) of Middletown, DE; Gary (Winona) of Wilmington, DE; and Lisa (John) of Wilmington, DE. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Jessica, Danielle, Madelyn, Mason, Niya, and Parker; his great-grandchildren, Easton, Fox, Emari, Quinn, Landon, and Oliver; and a sister, Maryann Sestak. In addition to his parents, John and Mary, Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Fidrych, and his grandson, Jacob Simpson.
Outside of work and family, Jack pursued many passions. As a young man, he loved fast cars, fishing, and hunting. In adulthood, he became an exercise enthusiast and held a lifetime membership at the Kirkwood Fitness Club. He regularly played racquet ball, cycled, ran, walked, and fished. Jack possessed a remarkable green thumb and was known for reviving the dying plants of family and friends. He took immense pride in his vegetable garden, and his homemade pickles, made from his own cucumbers. They were legendary. A lifelong fan of Philadelphia sports, he especially enjoyed rooting for the Phillies and Eagles. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his extended family at their reunions and crab feasts. Jack was also a dedicated leader in the Love Creek Woods Homeowners Association, serving in nearly every board position over the years. Jack is deeply missed by all who knew him, and he will always be remembered for his kindness, hard work, humor, and calm demeanor.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at VITAS Hospice, and his home health aides for their compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, Delaware. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the
Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958, or online at https://www.beebehealthcare.org/memorial-gifts.
Please sign the tribute wall located on this website.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL FLOWERS DELIVERED ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026 BY 3PM. TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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