John Henry Chadderdon, had extraordinary career
John Henry Chadderdon, affectionately known as Buddy, Uncle Buddy, Chad and Pop Pop, died peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Christiana Hospital in Newark. Despite his courageous efforts to rally after a stroke and heart attack, John ultimately succumbed to the challenges of his health.
Born Feb. 28, 1939, in San Pedro, Calif., John was the son of Wallace Henry Chadderdon and Dorothy Augusta Lewis. In 1951, he moved to the Netherlands to live with his father and stepmother, Irene Wentland Chadderdon. John was part of a large loving family, with nine siblings, and is predeceased by Eva Provence, Ruby Beehler (Jerry), Gail Schmidt Machado and David Chadderdon. He is survived by five siblings, Gary (Nancy) Schmidt, Linda Chadderdon, Jacksie Chadderdon-Hurley, Stephen Chadderdon (Lisa) and Nancy Chadderdon Gontarek (Jay).
John had a son, Robert Henry “Robbie,” with his first wife, Sue Hood (deceased). Robbie married Janna Coyne and gave them two awesome grandsons, Ryan and Ben Chadderdon Weldy. John was devastated when Robbie predeceased him 25 years earlier. John often commented how proud he was of Janna for being such an extraordinary mom. He was so grateful that Jim Weldy stepped up to father his grandsons and loved and supported them as Robbie would have.
John found love again with Lynn Hobday, and they shared 26 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2005. Together, they helped raise her three sons, Geof (Katharine), Will (Janna) and Michael. John cherished his grandsons, Ben and Ryan, and adored his three granddaughters, Emma, Ellie and Eve, from Geof and Katharine. He leaves behind so many cousins, a niece, nephews, and grandnieces and -nephews who will miss him dearly.
John's loving long-term partner, Candy Bennett, is heartbroken by his passing. They shared many endearing years of comfort and traveling together. The family is very grateful for the care and love John received in his final years from Candy.
An educated man with an extraordinary career, John attended a preparatory high school in Falls Church, Va., served three years in the Navy and was a lieutenant junior grade when he was honorably discharged because he was accepted as a student at the United States Merchant Marines Academy. He graduated from the USMMA in 1964 (with his friend of 64 years, Carl Mantegna) with a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation, specializing in meteorology and navigation. He traveled around the world as a licensed officer (1st and 2nd mate) on large commercial ships during his years in the Merchant Marines.
After leaving the Merchant Marines, John embarked on a remarkable 28-year career at IBM, excelling in systems engineering and programming, project management, systems integration, marketing, and technical support across federal, banking, and insurance sectors. John received many achievement awards at IBM, took many advanced courses, and was promoted often. Following his retirement from IBM, he worked as an executive project systems manager and programmer at Planned Systems International. John remained active in his community, holding managerial board positions in homeowners’ associations and golf clubs after he retired.
During his lifetime John was a talented athlete breaking records in high school thru USMMA in pole vaulting, and javelin competitions including the Drake Relays. He was an expert skier, and excelled at golf, which he played weekly, up until one month before his passing. He regularly shot a golf score below his age! We are sure he has already arranged a tee time with Robbie, Wallace and Arnold Palmer.
John was also a determined deer hunter. He loved walking the Catskill Mountains in New York with his father, Wallace, and uncle, Vernon Chadderdon, every November. (We say determined and not experienced because he only shot one deer in 30 years.)
Deeply engaged in his interests, John formed lasting friendships with neighbors and fellow enthusiasts in sports such as golf, baseball, basketball, football, bridge and poker.
He was a dedicated member of the Elks Club in Lewes and made so many outstanding friends there as he enthusiastically helped to manage football pools.
He worshipped at Epworth United Methodist Church, where he trained and volunteered as a Stephen Minister and supported the community for over 15 years. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was involved in rebuilding houses.
An avid reader, John devoured three books a week, and his warmth, honesty, calm demeanor, and wonderful sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him. His optimistic outlook on life and thirst for adventure and travel left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
John will be cremated and interred next to his father in Acra, N.Y., in spring 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Rehoboth Beach area in 2026, with details to be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution by check to Acra Village Cemetery Inc., c/o George Patrick, 1032 Rte. 31, Purling, NY 12470.
John will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his spirit and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
