John Bennett Shelton Jr., News Journal retiree
John Bennett Shelton Jr., 74, of Lewes passed away after a short illness at University of Pennsylvania Hospital Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. He was surrounded by his loving family. John attended St. Peter’s Catholic school in New Castle for both elementary and high school. He also attended the University of Delaware.
John spent his entire working career at the News Journal in the circulation department. After retirement he continued to work a part time job with Gannett. He also ran Claymont Janitorial for close to 40 years. He mentored special needs children at Richardson Park Learning Center.
John and his wife Chris enjoyed traveling with family and friends, especially around the United States. They were proud to have visited 43 states. John was a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan. John lived life to the fullest, and was blessed with many friends who shared his love for old cars, sports, playing cards, dancing and especially music. He also enjoyed going to the casino with a stop for a Wawa fountain Coke first. He loved playing golf and was a member of Indian River Seniors Golf League. But one of his favorite pastimes was sitting on their front porch swing with his dog Bruno chatting with neighbors.
John was predeceased by his parents Theresa White Shelton and John Bennett Shelton Sr. He will be deeply missed by the love of his life, his wife Christine Fusca Shelton; a son John Bennett Shelton III; three daughters, Traci Dobrowolski (Jon), Lauri Littleton (Otis) and Kelli Batten (Doug); and two sisters: Marie Manuel (Eddie) and Sally Fraticelli (Steve). Ten grandchildren called him PopPop: Logan, Cole, Rylee, Cami, Max, Brayden, Makenzie, Jack, Smith and Brandon.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital for their kindness and compassion during John's stay.
In honor of his mother-in-law, memorial donations in memory of John may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
Please visit John’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
