John J. Carmody

John J. Carmody, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home after a long illness in Pike Creek, DE on Friday, May 20, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Endicott, NY, the son of John F. and Mary (Ivan) Carmody. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in York, PA, and Broome Technical Community College in Binghamton, NY. John was a decorated Marine Corp Captain, wounded twice while serving a tour of Vietnam in 1967-68. After his discharge, he returned to Endicott and graduated from the State University of NY in Binghamton with a BS in biology and a Master’s in biochemistry. He taught biology and chemistry at Vestal High School for 7 years then worked for Endo and DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals, which moved him and his family to Delaware.

John was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Hockessin, DE. He devoted his retirement to the advancement of Christian Non-Violence theory. He loved lifting weights, rowing, hiking, jogging and bicycle riding. He will be remembered for his fun-loving play with his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife Karen (Pierce) with whom he shared 55 years of marriage, his children Michael (Sarah) Carmody and Kristen (Anthony) DiDonato, his grandchildren Rachael and Ezra Carmody, Vincent and Dominic DiDonato. In addition, John has 5 surviving siblings, Ann Bronson, Mary Rutherford, Kathleen Carmody, Matthew Carmody and Margaret Mayhew plus numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his daughter Jennifer, his sisters Louise and Theresa.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Krasner, his family physician of 30 years; Medical Oncology & Hematology at The Helen Graham Center; Delaware Hospice and our many friends and neighbors for their loving support, kindness and generosity.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Ashland, DE.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

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Condolences

Joyce Bennett Kirk Armstrong writes,

Dear Karen and family, My sincere condolences to you in this time of sadness. I remember John coming by the JC clinic and always thought you two made a special couple. So very sorry to learn of his passing. May God’s comfort be with you.

05/24/2022 06:40 pm

Tom Molyneaux writes,

Mr. Carmody (as we knew him) was my 10th grade biology teacher in Vestal, NY. He was one of the nicest (and best) teachers I ever had. I only knew him that one year. Condolences to the family.

05/24/2022 09:35 pm

Tom Walker lit a candle and writes,

We were classmates at St. Ambrose. RIP John.

05/25/2022 08:49 am

Ben Goggins writes,

I met John in Saint Marys Georgia several years ago at a non-violence presentation that he made. What a wonderful, Christian mission he was on!

05/25/2022 11:40 am

Becky Bishop writes,

When John was here in Montana with Father McCarthy he was such an inspiration for me!!! Condolences to the family.

05/25/2022 12:46 pm

Stephanie Henry lit a candle and writes,

Karen and family, My Condolences.

05/25/2022 01:12 pm

Connie McClanahan writes,

John has been on my prayer list for a number of years. I met John in person only once years ago at Rev. Emmanuel McCarthy's July Night Vigil for Peace in the New Mexico desert. It was from Rev. Emmanuel that I learned of John's illness and put him on the prayer list. My condolences to you his family and friends.

05/25/2022 05:45 pm

KAREN CARMODY writes,

Thank you everyone for your sharing your memories. An addendum to this obituary, John has 5 surviving siblings. My sincere apologies to the youngest, Margaret Carmody Mayhew, who has been like a daughter to me. Peggy, I love you. ❤️ Karen

05/25/2022 08:21 pm

Thomas T Palacio lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry to hear of Brother John passing. My condolences to you Karen and your family. May all the angels and saints welcome him home with open arms! What a blessing to have met John and to get to know him for who he was and who he is. In a lifetime, not many get to meet a person like MY brother John - a person that would give and give just to share his belief of what he was doing for the GOSPEL of NON-VIOLENCE would be heard around the WORLD. Brother John was and is witness for all to see and hear and yes John loved to laugh and be happy. I will never forget his smile an image that will never be erased from your mind Rest in PEACE MY BROTHER jOHN TOMAS

05/27/2022 03:54 pm

Paul J Sweeney Sr. writes,

Karen and family; Sooo very saddened to hear about my old Prep school roommate. We had some great times there! But, we never “caught up” after that time. Of course, I had heard about his Vietnam heroics and injuries. I had tried to reach out many times, but, John kept to himself, didn’t want to be “pitied!” (Or, at least, that’s the way he felt!”). I tried some humorous jokes but, he didn’t want any; so, I got the “hint” and, just prayed for him! Will continue to do so, for him, as well as, you all. Paul (mnsignr@gmail.com)

05/27/2022 05:29 pm

Kaye Shipley and family writes,

Karen and all who loved John, We are sorry to learn of his passing. John was one of the finest souls on earth. I met John when we worked together decades ago at Endo/DuPont. So many good memories of his great smile and brilliant, innovative spirit. May wonderful memories carry you through this sad time. Kaye Shipley and family

05/28/2022 11:37 pm

Marilyn Hyte writes,

Our condolences to John's family. He was always available to help anyone at anytime. We've lost a wonderful soul.

05/29/2022 09:28 am

Chuck Kunz writes,

Michael, Sarah, Ezra and Rachael, and the rest of your family, we’re so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Chuck and Carolee Kunz

05/29/2022 05:53 pm

Maureen Cawley Monteiro writes,

Please accept my condolences and prayers for Johns soul. I met him once; when I was a student a St Ambrose School and was in class with Kathleen. Met Kathleen yrs back on her visit to Endicott at the confessional at St Ambrose. Good to see her.

05/29/2022 10:56 pm

Bea and Bob Grace lit a candle and writes,

Karen and Family - so sorry to hear of John's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Fond memories - as always Bob and Bea

05/30/2022 10:12 am

Bette Huber writes,

Dear Karen. I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories help you all get through this sad time….and as time goes on…bring a smile or two. With a Hug 😘 Bette Huber

05/30/2022 06:12 pm

Alice Hardman Vincent writes,

John and I were classmates all thru St. Ambrose grammar school and I think 1st year of Seton High. He was always soo quiet, sweet, and respectful. God has gained an Angel, for sure!! RIP John Alice Hardman Vincent ❤️🙏🏻

06/01/2022 11:02 pm

Marie writes,

Dear Kathy, This is so sad to hear about your brother, John. I wish we could talk some time over the phone. I am in the Broome Co. phone book if you don't have it yourself. I miss you and wish I could support you through this time. Love Marie

06/03/2022 09:15 pm

Jennifer Albrecht Donovan writes,

Karen (Mrs. Carmody), My brothers, Mark and Jonathan, and I are so sorry to hear of John’s passing and very sorry to hear that Jennifer pre-deceased him. You were such a lovely, young couple just starting your family in Endicott next door on Miner Circle. I remember when Jennifer and Kristen were born. You were great role models for us. Please know you are in our prayers. Jennifer, Mark, and Jonathan Albrecht

06/05/2022 10:28 pm

Lucinda Cawley writes,

Kathy (“Casey”): My deepest condolences on your dear brother John’s passing. I remember him well. He was definitely one of the “good guys”. John and my brother, Michael Cawley, both attended St. Francis Prep School, and often traveled back & forth to York, PA, together during our high school years at Seton. It doesn’t surprise me to learn what an exemplary life John led, serving country, community, church and family. I know you’ll miss him. May your sweet memories of John bring you comfort, for “Memory is the only friend that Grief has ever known.” We lost Mike in 1990 at age 43 from complications of his Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes. It had robbed him of his sight, his mobility and his general good health. I’m sure he was happy to greet his old schoolmate John at those pearly gates. I’ll pray for John’s soul, and will choose to think of them both, happy & whole once again, enjoying their athletics together! Your St. Ambrose & Seton classmate, Lucinda “Cinda” Cawley

06/06/2022 09:43 am

Vicki Holland Monticello writes,

Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I think of you all often. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please give my best to the whole Carmody family. Vicki

06/07/2022 08:38 pm

Barb Decker Davis writes,

I was sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was bigger than life when we ere growing up. There were 6 of the Deckers and 8 of the Carmodys. He was my little girl crush. Of course he was 20 years older than me. The Vietnam wall is visiting here in nearby Elmira, ny. It made me think of John and I wondered how he was. I was surprised to see this. My heart goes out to all you. It seems weird to see our two families losing siblings already. We all grow old but the memories will last forever of that dead end street and the two families that grew up side by side and moved away. ❤️

07/04/2022 08:41 am

Marcus Parr lit a candle and writes,

John was (is) one of the wisest and kindest people I've ever met in my 74 years. We worked together at DuPont Pharma many years ago, in the department of Clinical Development and Education. He was a great man, and I mean to say this with the greatest respect and admiration--I don't say it lightly. It was my honor to have worked with him and to have been considered his friend and colleague.

08/04/2022 02:31 pm

Jocelyn Thomas lit a candle and writes,

I am sorry to find out about John's passing. In an effortless way, John could extend kindness, love, and friendship to anyone who needed it. The world will be a colder place without him. Rest in peace.

08/29/2022 09:15 am

Chidi Umeano lit a candle and writes,

We still miss you John. May your soul continue to rest in the peace of God. Praying that your wife, kids and family members will be consoled always.

01/07/2023 08:01 am

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