John Edward Dull

John Edward Dull, aged 88 of Greenville DE, passed away on July 15, 2024. He was born in Kansas City, MO, the eldest of three sons to Walter E. and Vera Martin Dull.

John grew up in Kansas City and met his loving wife of 65 years, Sandra “Sandy”, when they sat across the aisle from each other in an economics class at Kansas City Junior College. Sandy went on to receive her degree in education at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and they married in 1958, while John continued his studies in chemical engineering at the University of Kansas.

They moved to Wilmington, DE, in 1960 when John accepted a position with the DuPont Company. While working in the Legal Department, he commuted to Philadelphia to earn a law degree at Temple University. He was a member of the Delaware and District of Columbia bars. Over his long career at DuPont, John held several senior legal and business management positions, retiring in 1998 as Associate General Counsel and Chief Intellectual Law Counsel. He then formed a successful consulting practice affiliated with Deloitte & Touche, specializing in capitalization of intellectual property.

John had an intense interest in art. He and Sandy greatly enjoyed visiting art museums in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He also enjoyed opera and theater, especially drama. John had a keen sense for music. He taught himself to play the guitar in his teen years, and his love of music grew, drawn to everything from jazz and big bands to opera and classical. John and Sandy took their family on many memorable trips, and they particularly loved their many visits together to Italy and New York City. He also immersed himself in reading, especially history and biographies.

John had a wonderful creative streak. He taught himself woodworking and completed many home projects. He took up painting later in life, experimenting with acrylics and oils, and drew humorous picture books for his grandchildren. He was a fun and wicked card player. Those who knew him will remember his knack for telling stories well and his warm and kind sense of humor.

Above all else, John wanted to be remembered for deeply loving his family, and he was grateful for the love and support he received from his family. He was the perfect PopPop for his grandchildren and great grandchildren who shared the most enjoyable times with him.

PopPop will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

John was predeceased by his wife, Sandy. He is survived by three loving children, Joan Young (Rudy), John Daulton (Barbara) and Joyce McGhee (Ned), four grandchildren, Holly Daulton Brown, Amanda Daulton Scheffel, Keegan Young and Ellie McGhee, and four great grandchildren, Maddox and Lorelai Brown, and Emma and Caroline Scheffel. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Robert C. Dull and James W. Dull.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27, in the Chapel at the Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike in Wilmington, followed by a lunch reception.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the healthcare staff of the Country House and the Acts Hospice staff for their tender and loving care of John. The family suggests a donation in John’s memory to the Country House Employee Appreciation Fund. Please make checks out to Employee Appreciation Fund and mail to Country House Employee Appreciation Fund, 4830 Kennett Pike, Apt 5502, Wilmington, DE 19807.