John F. "Jack" Whitley

Delmar- John F. “Jack” Whitley, Jr., age 83, died Tuesday, February, 13, 2007 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born August 11, 1923 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a son of the late John F. Whitley, Sr. and Grace F. Warback Whitley. Jack grew up in Delmar where he proudly played for the Delmar High School basketball team and was captain of the football team. After high school he proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He served on various vessels during the War and survived the sinking of his ship in Bari Harbor, Italy. During his service in the Navy, he received many honors and decorations, including the Purple Heart. After returning from overseas, he went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he worked as a clerk for 40 years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Retired Railroad Association, Past Commander of VFW Post 8276 in Delmar, where he was one of the original members, and a lifetime member of the Delmar Alumni Association. He was also a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar. Fiercely proud of the town of Delmar, Jack served on the Delmar School Board for many years. He loved beekeeping and sold honey to local farmer’s markets and family and friends. He was a collector of Pennsylvania Railroad memorabilia. Other hobbies included traveling, gardening & growing vegetables and he always had a fondness for cats. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Iona Marshall Whitley; a son, Alan Whitley and his wife Margaret of Delmar; and his beloved cat, “Sweetpea.” In addition to his parents, a brother, Robert Whitley, preceded him in death. A celebration of Mr. Whitley’s life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street, Delmar. The Reverend Custer Ruley will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow the service at St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Delmar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Delmar Public Library, 101 N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE 19940, or to Delmar High School Booster Club, c/o Delmar School District, 200 N. 8th Street, Delmar, DE 19940. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com .

John F. "Jack" Whitley

August 11, 1923 - February 13, 2007