John F. McCollum, Jr., age 79 of Wilmington, DE passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2016. He was born on November 6, 1936 in Wilmington, DE to the late John F., Sr. and Blanche Gregorkiewicz McCollum.

John worked as a lineman for Diamond State Telephone from which he retired. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and was an avid surf fisherman and hunter. He was a life member of Abate, and a member the Defiance Athletic Association, and the New Castle County Irish Society.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Smolka) McCollum; daughter, Debragh McCollum-DiMaio and her fiancé, Brian Smith of Newport, DE; three sons, Sean McCollum and his wife, Barbara of Newark, DE, Timothy McCollum and his wife, Phyllis of Rehoboth, DE, and Matthew McCollum and his wife, Danielle of Port Penn, DE; three brothers, Michael McCollum and his wife, Judy, of Claremont, CA, Thomas McCollum, and James McCollum and his wife, Lynda, of Smyrna, DE; two sisters Jeanette Robinson and her husband, John of Wilmington, DE, and Margaret Hartwell of Manahawkin, NJ; nine grandchildren, Erin, Shane, Shannon, Brian, Shaun, Casey, Connor, Callie, and Luke; and great-grandchildren, Barry and Remy.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Richard McCollum, his sister, Katherine Murray, and his two canine companions, Brigid, and Griz.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 11AM on Friday June 10, 2016 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Directors and Crematory, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 6:00 -8:00 pm and on Friday, June 10, 2016 one hour prior to service, where family and friends are encouraged to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution checks can be made to “Delaware Humane Society” or “Faithful Friends” and sent c/o the funeral home. To send an online condolence, visit www.rtfoard.com