John Stephen Sarik, devoted educator, volunteer
John Stephen Sarik of Lewes passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. He was born June 22, 1942, in Palmerton, Pa., son of the late Michael and Catherine Frank Sarik.
John developed a strong work ethic at an early age by starting at the age of 14, working a medley of after-school and summer jobs, saving diligently to attend college. That determination defined his life from that point on, leading to his graduation from East Stroudsburg University with a double major in mathematics and physics. While at school, he was a proud member of Phi Sigma Kappa, a fraternity that he helped to establish at the university. He and his fellow fraternity brothers secured the Phi Sigma Kappa house on Analomink Street, and John took on the responsibility of managing dues to cover mortgage, utilities, and maintenance. During college, he also worked 30 hours a week at the local A&P store.
After graduation, John moved to Delaware to begin his teaching career and where he married Donna Jean Bryan and they had two children, Jonathan and Jennifer. His marriage to Donna ended in divorce.
John dedicated 32 years to teaching in Cape Henlopen and Indian River school districts, followed by 20 years at Delaware Technical Community College. Beyond the classroom, he was a passionate and active coach in football, baseball, basketball, track and field, and target shooting, mentoring both boys’ and girls’ teams. He took great pride in watching his students grow into successful adults.
Equally devoted to his community, John was a lifelong volunteer and leader. He was a member of the Lions Club for 41 years, served 25 years with the Blue-Gold All-Star Committee, 30 years with Explorer Scouts, and supported Delaware Special Olympics. He was a past commodore of Lewes Yacht Club and member of its board of directors. Many will fondly remember him for organizing and overseeing the annual Lasagna Dinner for 41 years.
A man of deep faith, John was an active member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and served for seven years as the representative to the Most Blessed Sacrament School Board in Berlin, Md.
John is survived by his son, Dr. Jonathan Sarik (Danielle) of Milton; his granddaughter, Elise Sarik; his daughter, Jennifer Hubbard (Clark) of Dunedin, Fla.; his siblings, Michael A. Sarik of Palmerton, Pa., Stephanie Hoppas of Jim Thorpe, Pa., Annette Dotter of Palmerton, Pa., and Marie Hollywood of Lehighton, Pa.; and his companion and dear friend, Frances Payne of Pot-Nets
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where a viewing for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow the next day at 10 a.m., at St. Vladimir’s Lower Cemetery, 2599 Fireline Road, Palmerton, Pa.
John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, his steadfast service to his community, and the generosity of spirit that touched countless lives.
Visit John's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com and sign the online condolence page.
