John Nick Niemczuk Jr., proud veteran, sailor
With full hearts, we honor the life of John Nick Niemczuk Jr., student, soldier, sailor, and proud husband, father, and grandfather, who left this world Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, attended by his family in Lewes.
John was born in Newark, N.J., July 29, 1941, to John and Josephine Niemczuk.. His early years in Newark laid a solid foundation for the full life that followed. His parents immigrated from Poland and Ukraine. While neither finished high school, they instilled in him a strong work ethic as well as an appreciation for education and lifelong learning. He obtained his BS in mechanical engineering and mathematics, and went on to achieve an MA in business management. Coming from simple beginnings taught John to find joy and satisfaction in immaterial things such as relationships, nature, especially flowers, and cooking and sharing a good meal.
Serving his country with distinction, John had a 20-year career in the U.S. Army with 15 years of active-duty, including service in Vietnam, and five years in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. The discipline and leadership he exhibited throughout his military tenure spoke volumes about his character, and the values he upheld remained with him throughout his life. While never overtly displaying military emblems, he was exceptionally proud of his service in the Army.
John was stationed at multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe while his young family grew. He enjoyed traveling in Europe, taking his two children to visit many countries to camp and ski, or just to take in different cultures from his own. Much of John’s post-military career was spent in Maryland. In his early 40s, he fell in love with sailing. John got his start as crew on a long-time friend’s Cal 25 sailboat. He very quickly brought his son Jack along, beginning a lifelong shared passion. John enjoyed sailing so much that he bought his own boat, and he and his children raced Jumping Jack Flash for nearly 20 years in the Cal 25 fleet out of Annapolis, Md. While he loved racing his boat against his friends, he cherished the relationships he formed in the sailing community even more. In fact, it was through sailboat racing that he introduced his son to his future wife. John’s kindness during stressful races, while subject to all kinds of weather, kept his crew coming back every week.
John also loved to fish, something he learned from his father, who was an avid fisherman. He especially enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with his children, his son-in-law, and grandchildren for striped bass during the spring migration. John’s affable nature and sharp mind were evident on the green as well. He loved to play golf and enjoyed the tranquility, friendly competition, and camaraderie of the sport. John never played alone; he enjoyed sharing rounds with friends and family. When he moved to Harbeson in 2007, he joined local golf leagues, developed regular playing partners, and played as often as he could.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy Niemczuk; his daughter, Catherine Niemczuk and her husband Brian Hepler; his son, Jack Niemczuk and his wife Kate Chiocchio; and his beloved grandchildren, Mallory and Ryan Niemczuk. He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters- and brother-in-law, Catherine Funk and Antoinette Wills, and Laura and Tom Chwastyk.
John’s journey was marked by an exceptional blend of love, gentle and patient leadership, and appreciation of simple pleasures. Through stories shared and memories cherished, he will remain with those who love him. His quiet presence will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Visitation will take place from 2 to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or other veteran support organizations.
Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
