John W. Beach, publisher, author
John W. “Jack” Beach, 93, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2016, at the Country Rest Home in Greenwood. He was born Thursday, Nov. 29, 1923, in Rehoboth Beach, son of the late John W. and Margaret (Wenyon) Beach.
After graduating from Rehoboth High School in 1941 Beach served three years in the Army Air Corps before attending the University of Delaware. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and active with the college newspaper. In 1949 he transferred to the Charles Morris Price School in Philadelphia, Pa., to study journalism and later completed his studies at Columbia University in newspaper management.
In 1951, Mr. Beach was named editor-manager of the weekly Dover Index in Dover. In 1953 when it was merged with the weekly Delaware State News to become a daily newspaper he continued with the daily publication. He served as publisher a number of years before retiring in 1976. In addition to his position with the daily, he served on the board of directors of Independent Newspapers Inc. during its initial expansion into Maryland, Florida and Arizona.
In 1970, Jack wrote "Cape Henlopen Lighthouse" which was on the Delaware best seller list for several months. A second edition was printed in 1971, and a revised edition with chapters on the Delaware Breakwater was printed in 1979 and 1993. All editions are now out of print. In 1984 he published the popular "This Was Rehoboth Beach," a collection of "flotsam, jetsam and trivia" of Rehoboth Beach in the 1930s and 1940s, now out of print. Mr. Beach's third book, "Pirates on the Delaware," published in 1993, is also out of print. In addition to the books he wrote, Beach wrote numerous articles for local and national publications. He continued as a newspaper consultant for a number of years after retirement.
Mr. Beach was a devoted father, husband and grandfather. He was well respected on both a personal and professional level. He enjoyed golf, and was a former member of the board of directors of both Maple Dale Country Club in Dover, and Rehoboth Beach Country Club in Rehoboth.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Jenny (Cooper) Beach; his two sons, David S and his wife Jan of Huntsville, Ala., and Jay D. of Lewes; six grandchildren: Katie Cross, Chad Cross, David Scott Beach, Leah Beach, Chase Beach and Macy Beach; nieces: Carole Ann Medd, Lynne Mitchell and Janis Lewes. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his oldest son, John W. Beach III and his daughter, Linda Beach; his stepfather, Forrest P. Wenyon; and his sister, Becky Palmer.
All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Country Rest Home for their wonderful and loving care, especially nurse Jane and his aide Blanche.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to All Saints’ Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Mr. Beach's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
