John Warren Vandegrift, ‘The White Knight’
John Warren Vandegrift, born Dec. 8, 1981, went to his peace Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.
As a youth he lived in Silver Run, Md., graduating from Westminster High School in 2000. While in middle school he developed a love of cooking which he didn't get from his mother. He pursued his love of cooking by attending and graduating from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, Pa. John had numerous offers to travel and further his career but decided to stay close to his family. He and his brother proudly proclaimed to be "Mamma's Boys.".He was employed by several restaurants in and around Lewes and Bethany Beach.
John loved his Harley Fat Boy. He rode with his father and brother. He spent many hours enjoying the freedom and independence his Harley provided. He learned to play golf so he could play with his father. Many hours were spent together on a course or the driving range of various courses in Delaware.
John enjoyed music, which was personified by his love for "The Phantom of the Opera" pipe organ. He would play the music so loud the windows would vibrate. No matter how many times he listened to the pipe organ, it was just as enthralling and moving as the first time he heard the music. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, even belonging to a "Steelers club” and often traveled to their games.
John was always the one the family called on when "assembly" was required. He traveled back to Maryland to assemble any project that was in pieces for his brother. He was proud of his niece and nephew, Leah and Brayden. He loved them and was proud of their accomplishments, and constantly shared pictures of them and their antics.
John was our "White Knight," our "Knight in Shining Armor" who could not say no to anyone in need. To a fault, he was always willing to give time and a helping hand to those in need. He prepared meals and delivered them to those sick and in need. His heart was bigger than his body, but he was renowned for his stubbornness.
Our hearts are broken. There is a hole in our souls where his smile and presence lived. We send him to heaven knowing he is no longer in pain. He is happy and at peace. John is not just a loss to his family but to all those who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m., at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 6 p.m. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required to be worn by any and all persons participating in any aspect of the services.
Friends may also call Thursday, Sept. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 254 E Main St., Westminster.
Graveside services will take place Friday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m., at the Garden of Faith Memorial Gardens, 5598 Trumps Mill Road, Baltimore, Md.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958 or to the charity of your choice.
Please visit John’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
