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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

John Mark Simpson

John Mark Simpson passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2019.

He was born in Palmerton, PA, the son of John and Ethel (Majercsik) Symanovich. He was a graduate of Palmerton High School and Dickerson College, and he received an MBA from Fordham University.

John had a long career in banking. He worked in Philadelphia at the Girard Bank and later on Long Island and in New York City in various capacities at Bank of New York: as Branch Manager; Trust, Estate and Privately Held Business Administrator and Portfolio Manager; then as a private banker at Bessemer Trust Company.  After retiring from Bessemer, he and his wife moved from Centerport, NY to Avondale, PA.

John had many interests, including classical music, art, cars, trains and Non-Profit organizations. Generous with his time, John served as a member of the Board of the AFP Brandywine Chapter, a mentor as part of the University of Delaware Lerner Executive Mentoring Program, a member of the Patient Family Advisory Board at Christiana Hospital, and the Development Committee and the Museum Council at Delaware Art Museum. With great pride, he volunteered as a House Guide at Winterthur and shared his knowledge of the house and its contents with family, friends, and Winterthur visitors.  He was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church, and was most recently a member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Ethel Symanovich. He is survived by his wife Marian; their two cats, Natasha and Tatiana and a number of relatives, including: Helen (Jim) O’Brien, Melissa and Kelly O’Brien, Barbara Symanovich, and Olga Reese.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Winterthur – Winterthur Museum Garden and Library, ℅ Development, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735 or Faithful Friends Animal Society, Attention: Shannon O’Neil, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 10804.

 

Funeral Services

There will be a Memorial Service at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807 on Saturday, January 18th starting at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Winterthur – Winterthur Museum Garden and Library, ℅ Development, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735 or Faithful Friends Animal Society, Attention: Shannon O’Neil, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19804.

 

Condolences

    Mary Ann Stevenson writes,
    Marian ... sincere sorrow to learn of your husband's loss .... hope you are doing well.
    01/06/2020 09:17 am
    Sarina Carol Berlow writes,
    Dear Marian, John and I were classmates at Palmerton Area High School in the PHS Class of ‘65—What a brilliant mind he had! I always admired his intellect – especially as a teammate or competitor in Debate Club! May it be of some small comfort to know that many of us who graduated with John are sadly sifting through our memories of him back in the good old days...and holding you with care in our thoughts and prayers...Our sincere condolences...
    01/11/2020 05:31 pm
    Steven Butler lit a candle and writes,
    I didn't know John that well but we were friends at the Hockessin Athletic Club. We actually had a lot in common including careers in banking and consulting work, and as I just found out, a shared love for (expensive) watches. We also had a trainer in common, Denise Boyle who has been telling me more about John since his passing. I regret not making the effort to get to know him better; he was one of the "Good Guys." Rest in Peace John, and save me a spot up there so we can become better friends.
    01/17/2020 05:11 pm
    donna owens writes,
    Marian, I am living with significant other/lifetime partner with a man who met John once when Roy and I invited him and his fiance, Matti, for dinner when both couples lived in Tarrytown. John and me: met at a Sheraton Hotel back in 1973.....talked about the Lake Poets and Masterpiece Theater. Maybe he has told you about Larry Snow and his parents? Just yesterday, Roy asked whether I had had any contact with John, and I told him that I had not. This morning I Googled John...and saw that he had passed away. Memories of his and my good times in Strafford, Pa and his taking ferry to Bank of NY's office on Shelter Island, with his subsequent promotion to Trust Dept. in NY. I sense without a doubt that you and John developed a very strong, positive relationship. I find it ironic that back around 1974 he and I had tickets to tour Wintertour but had to cancel due to a snow storm. I thank you for giving John a positive and happy life. He deserved it. Best, Donna
    03/08/2020 04:08 pm

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