John P. Argo, contractor, devoted father
John Paynter Argo, 92, of Milton passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. He was born Oct. 6, 1931, in Milford.
John grew up at Argo’s Corner to humble beginnings with a wonderful mother who instilled the values of family and hard work. That, coupled with his innate compassion for others, allowed him to create a life full of devoted family, friends and clients.
As a teenager, he worked at the former gas station in Argo’s Corner. After high school, he began working construction. He eventually started his own company, John P. Argo Construction Co., where he built houses and businesses for numerous clients for almost 50 years. Notable projects included the bank (now M&T) in Milton as well as renovations to the Milton Library and the original Nicola Pizza in Rehoboth Beach.
In 1961, John married his sweetheart, Nancy Dutton. He built a house for them on Waples Pond that became their home for their entire 62 years of marriage. They had three children, Rhonda, Darren and Dean, who became the centerpieces of their lives. Their kids went on to have nine grandchildren who loved ‘Pop Pop’ dearly.
John enjoyed being outside and working with his hands. He loved his yard, and right up to his last days you could find him mowing his lawn, weeding his landscaping and tending to his garden. He also loved watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events, and was a passionate Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He also attended Slaughter Neck UMC his entire life, where he held various leadership positions.
John is preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna Argo; and his sisters, Eleanor West and Winona Smith. He is survived by his wife Nancy; his children Rhonda Moore (Joe), Darren Argo (Geri) and Dean Argo (Tracy); and his grandchildren, Ryan Moore (Laura), Josh Moore (Rachel), Megan Moore, Christopher Argo, Brandon Argo, Adam Argo, Maddy Kane (Jimmy), Gabby Argo and Lilly Argo.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Slaughter Neck United Methodist Church, 23221 Argos Corner Road, Milford. A time of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in John’s memory to Slaughter Neck Church Inc., P.O. Box 241, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
