Final Salute

John J. English, 78 of Earleville, MD passed away on December 1, 2024 at Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE surrounded by close friends and family.

Mr. English was born on July 31, 1946, son of the late Cannon Miller and Julia D. Donnelly English. He was raised in Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Northeast Catholic for boys class of 1964. John then earned a carpentry degree from James Martin Vocational School and worked for Carpenters Union Local 1856. He married Diane Luff on June 22, 1968 and was later drafted in the U.S. Navy, serving for 2 plus years in Vietnam with the Construction Battalion better known as the “Seabees” where he earned a Navy Unit Citation and the Cross of Gallantry. After his honorable discharge he returned to his carpentry career completing 23 ½ years. His second career was 23 ½ years as a Vocational Education Teacher and Wood Shop Teacher for the Philadelphia School System including Randolph Skills Center, Swenson Skills Center, and Frankford High School, retiring in 2008.

After purchasing a second home in 1975 in the community of West View Shore on the Upper Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, John, along with a voluminous amount of family and friends enjoyed the tranquility of summers in Maryland. He was an active member of the Civic Association and held various roles and board memberships. Following a long and established dual career, he and Diane both earned a well-deserved retirement moving full time to ‘Maryland’ in 2008.

Along with his parents, he was preceded by a sister Dolores ‘Lolly’ English Sauer.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane Luff English; sons Michael English of West Norriton, PA and Christopher English of Galena; a sister Judy English-Hinkle of Del-Haven, NJ; a brother James English of Port Charolette, FL and grandchildren, Christopher P. English and Jillian S. English

He was always ready to lend a hand, offer a tool, and have on hand an extra part (or two)

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 6 from 11 to 1 pm at the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, MD where funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Burial will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Earleville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675