John T. Wassam, age 78 of Newark, DE passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Veterans Hospital, Elsmere, DE.
He was born in Philadelphia and raised in Wilmington, DE. John is the son of the late Lavon (Lockard) and William Wassam. He graduated from Brandywine High School in 1963 and received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also was a member of the ROTC at the University of Delaware. After graduation he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C from 1968 to 1972
After being honorably discharged, John worked at the family variety store Wassam’s until the closure of the company in 1991. He then obtained his Real Estate License and worked for two brokers, the former Prudential, Fox & Roach and then to Century 21 Town Center, retiring in 2013.
John was a member of the Pike Creek Running Clubs and was proud that he ran in the New York Marathon in 1982 and the Marine Corps Marathon, Washington, D. C. two weeks later. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, reading, astronomy and anything aerospace. In 1969 John and his wife Florence traveled to Coco Beach, FL to witness the liftoff of the Apollo 11, the first landing of men on the moon. Moments that he cherished the most were the times with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Florence (Saeger) Wassam; three children, James L. (Dana), Robert J. (Jessica) and Amy Degnars (Jack); six grandchildren Sabrina (Garrett), Nicholas (Jasmyne), Madelyn, Christopher, Alton, Cora; five great grandchildren Violet, Tanner, Lincoln, Bryce, and baby Blayne on the way. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. John is also preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Wassam and brother-in-law William Saeger.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE where a memorial service will follow at 11:30am. Inurnment will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
