John Wilson Slack, Sr., age 84, of Newark, DE passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022. He was born in Wilmington, DE on June 1, 1937 to the late Norman Slack and Sara (Wilson) Slack. John graduated from Newark High School in 1955, where he was Treasurer of the Student Council along with beingContinue Reading
John Wilson Slack, Sr., age 84, of Newark, DE passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022. He was born in Wilmington, DE on June 1, 1937 to the late Norman Slack and Sara (Wilson) Slack.
John graduated from Newark High School in 1955, where he was Treasurer of the Student Council along with being the “homerun king”, he was the only one to hit a homerun out of the entire team that year. In 1959, John graduated from the University of Delaware (Kappa Alpha) as a 2nd LT and completing his Army Reserve obligation as a Captain. He worked for Nationwide as an agent for over fifty years. John was an active member of Kiwanis, Pencader Heritage Museum, Newark Senior Center, and Head of Christiana. Throughout the years, John has owned and managed many properties.
John is survived by his wife, Merle Jean Hill Slack; two sons: John Slack, Jr., and Stephen Slack; and granddaughter, Kyleigh Paige Slack.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Head of Christiana Church, 1100 West Church Road, Newark, DE 19711 where friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Pencader Heritage Museum” or “Head of Christiana Church” and send in care of R.T. Foard and Jones, 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. To send online condolences please visit, www.rtfoard.com.
Julie C. Ziemer
left a message on July 14, 2022:
Merle, I'm so very sorry for your loss...
Pamela D. Darrell
left a message on May 13, 2022:
Merle, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers ??????
With deepest sympathy
Pam
Chris Hill
left a message on May 6, 2022:
John was my uncle. He always had a moment to listen to me when I was able to see him. He was warm hearted, friendly and definitely one of the most generous people I have ever met. I enjoyed his stories and hearing about the history of his family and of the Pencader area. We were fortunate enough to get a private tour with him at the Pencader Heritage Museum. He enjoyed taking Cyrus out for tractor rides and for walks around the property. He loved my Aunt Merle very much. I can remember him saying out loud on numerous occasions “Merle Jean, Merle Jean, my beauty queen.” We will miss you Uncle John. Chris, Roxanne and Cyrus Hill
Kathie Howe
left a message on May 5, 2022:
So sorry to hear of Mr. Slack's passing. He was a major part of my childhood, he and my Dad started out as insurance agents together and he would come to our house a couple nights a week for coffee (and cigarettes :) ) after he and my Dad had their evening "appointments". He was always so funny and friendly, he would help me with my math homework! He and his wife Peggy came on the weekends to play cards and I thought they were the most glamours couple ever.....my first babysitting job was for Johnny. When I later ran into him when I was in my 20s I would still call him Mr. Slack, and he would say please, please call me John, and I would say, I can't Mr. Slack, doesn't feel right! He and my Dad were friends for probably close to 60 years, Condolences to those who loved him. RIP Mr. Slack
Tracy & Mike Nicola
left a message on May 5, 2022:
Merle our deepest heartfelt sympathy go out to you on John’s passing. He was a very special person and we will miss him dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you.
Michael & Tracy Nicola
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patty Kent
left a message on May 5, 2022:
I met John about 22 years ago. He was a very kind and loving person. He had a sweet tooth that was hard to satisfy whether it be ice cream or cheesecake. He loved Merle and his 2 sons unconditionally. He will be missed. Heaven has acquired an angel. God bless the Slack family
Diana Levering
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Mr. Slack was my very first insurance man from when I was 16 years old and began to drive. I transitioned to his son when he retired and I can say I have been with them since 1976. May Mr. Slack rest in peace and I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family. His memory will live on in the lives he has touch over the years.
Pegi Slack
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Although John was my first love, (started dating at 18 and married at 20) we separated after 20+ years, and I'm so glad that we remained amicable until his passing. I can't count the number of ways that I felt he was a good human being--but he will be remembered as a good father to his children and grandchild and also for his great and most interesting sense of humor. John had wonderful parents who were the greatest in-laws anyone could have wanted. Merle has been a great wife and partner for John as well a good step mother to Johnny & Stephen. Rest in Peace John
Leigh Hill
left a message on May 4, 2022:
John was my brother-in-law and he always impressed me with his total love of his wife, Merle. I respected John’s kindness and generosity to every person he met, his sense of humor - he told some of the worst jokes I’ve ever heard. John also had a great love of Western movies and loved nothing more than reciting the dialog along with the actors. John had the special grace of being able to laugh at himself. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Marlene Pratt
left a message on May 4, 2022:
My deepest condolences to John's family.
I went to school with John and he was my insurance man until he retired. He was also a friend for all those years.
A nice and helpful person who will be missed by many.
ROY PALO
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Our condolences ? to the Slack family. He was our insurance man for many years and good friend.
Roy and Barbara Palo
Gary J. Era
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Mr. Slack was my parents, the late Royce & Naomi Era insurance provider.
As a child, I remember his manner, and how he treated his clients.
When I think of Mr. Slack, I remember the big tree by the office in those days on RTE # 4.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Slack
Susan S Kemether
left a message on May 4, 2022:
I have worked for John for 39 years presently. My husband, Dennis worked for him for 30 years and they were friends since childhood. He cared about everybody else right up to Saturday. We were all family and he was the best boss, friend and "brother". He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our Love and Prayers to Merle, Jr., Steven and Kyleigh.
Jeffrey Ziemer
left a message on May 4, 2022:
John was sure a great person. He loved having a good time. Many fond memories.
Todd Scarborough
left a message on May 4, 2022:
You were a big inspiration in my life. I love you dearly and you will be messed by many.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More
×
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Julie C. Ziemer
left a message on July 14, 2022:
Merle, I'm so very sorry for your loss...
Pamela D. Darrell
left a message on May 13, 2022:
Merle, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers ??????
With deepest sympathy
Pam
Chris Hill
left a message on May 6, 2022:
John was my uncle. He always had a moment to listen to me when I was able to see him. He was warm hearted, friendly and definitely one of the most generous people I have ever met. I enjoyed his stories and hearing about the history of his family and of the Pencader area. We were fortunate enough to get a private tour with him at the Pencader Heritage Museum. He enjoyed taking Cyrus out for tractor rides and for walks around the property. He loved my Aunt Merle very much. I can remember him saying out loud on numerous occasions “Merle Jean, Merle Jean, my beauty queen.” We will miss you Uncle John. Chris, Roxanne and Cyrus Hill
Kathie Howe
left a message on May 5, 2022:
So sorry to hear of Mr. Slack's passing. He was a major part of my childhood, he and my Dad started out as insurance agents together and he would come to our house a couple nights a week for coffee (and cigarettes :) ) after he and my Dad had their evening "appointments". He was always so funny and friendly, he would help me with my math homework! He and his wife Peggy came on the weekends to play cards and I thought they were the most glamours couple ever.....my first babysitting job was for Johnny. When I later ran into him when I was in my 20s I would still call him Mr. Slack, and he would say please, please call me John, and I would say, I can't Mr. Slack, doesn't feel right! He and my Dad were friends for probably close to 60 years, Condolences to those who loved him. RIP Mr. Slack
Tracy & Mike Nicola
left a message on May 5, 2022:
Merle our deepest heartfelt sympathy go out to you on John’s passing. He was a very special person and we will miss him dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you.
Michael & Tracy Nicola
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patty Kent
left a message on May 5, 2022:
I met John about 22 years ago. He was a very kind and loving person. He had a sweet tooth that was hard to satisfy whether it be ice cream or cheesecake. He loved Merle and his 2 sons unconditionally. He will be missed. Heaven has acquired an angel. God bless the Slack family
Diana Levering
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Mr. Slack was my very first insurance man from when I was 16 years old and began to drive. I transitioned to his son when he retired and I can say I have been with them since 1976. May Mr. Slack rest in peace and I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family. His memory will live on in the lives he has touch over the years.
Pegi Slack
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Although John was my first love, (started dating at 18 and married at 20) we separated after 20+ years, and I'm so glad that we remained amicable until his passing. I can't count the number of ways that I felt he was a good human being--but he will be remembered as a good father to his children and grandchild and also for his great and most interesting sense of humor. John had wonderful parents who were the greatest in-laws anyone could have wanted. Merle has been a great wife and partner for John as well a good step mother to Johnny & Stephen. Rest in Peace John
Leigh Hill
left a message on May 4, 2022:
John was my brother-in-law and he always impressed me with his total love of his wife, Merle. I respected John’s kindness and generosity to every person he met, his sense of humor - he told some of the worst jokes I’ve ever heard. John also had a great love of Western movies and loved nothing more than reciting the dialog along with the actors. John had the special grace of being able to laugh at himself. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Marlene Pratt
left a message on May 4, 2022:
My deepest condolences to John's family.
I went to school with John and he was my insurance man until he retired. He was also a friend for all those years.
A nice and helpful person who will be missed by many.
ROY PALO
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Our condolences ? to the Slack family. He was our insurance man for many years and good friend.
Roy and Barbara Palo
Gary J. Era
left a message on May 4, 2022:
Mr. Slack was my parents, the late Royce & Naomi Era insurance provider.
As a child, I remember his manner, and how he treated his clients.
When I think of Mr. Slack, I remember the big tree by the office in those days on RTE # 4.
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Slack
Susan S Kemether
left a message on May 4, 2022:
I have worked for John for 39 years presently. My husband, Dennis worked for him for 30 years and they were friends since childhood. He cared about everybody else right up to Saturday. We were all family and he was the best boss, friend and "brother". He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our Love and Prayers to Merle, Jr., Steven and Kyleigh.
Jeffrey Ziemer
left a message on May 4, 2022:
John was sure a great person. He loved having a good time. Many fond memories.
Todd Scarborough
left a message on May 4, 2022:
You were a big inspiration in my life. I love you dearly and you will be messed by many.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.