John Joseph Cramer

My father was the first-born son of the late Michael and Anna (Orenic) Cramer of Williamsburg. He was a 1947 graduate of the local high school, followed by several years employed as a lab technician for the Westvaco Corp.

Dad was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and after discharge, was employed at the DuPont Experimental Station in Delaware for 38 years.

Aside from his parents, Anna and Michael, Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Minn, in 2011; their son, Richard, at the age of 35 in 1989; a brother, Theodore, in 2014; and his grandson, Robert, in 2020.

Surviving are a daughter, Sandra, of Wilmington; Robert’s wife, Elizabeth, and their girls: Emmie, Eva and Anna; Richard’s son, John (Leslie), and their sons: Mal, Obi and Eli; grandson, Luke; and his dad, Bo; and daughter-in-law, Mary Keith (Kelly). Also surviving is his sister, Susanna, of Annandale, Va.; his brother, Robert (Eileen) of Rose Valley, Pa.; and Theodore’s wife, Jennie, of Wallingford.

Mom and Dad were married for 58 years and enjoyed traveling, whether to places such as Aruba, Hawaii, or the countless trips visiting relatives in Pennsylvania. Dad was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, where throughout the years, he served in various office positions and participated in the church fundraising programs. Dad also had a love for the outdoors, always working in his yard.

Special thanks to Kellie (Dad’s caregiver), Theresa and Fred, Kristen and his loving neighbor, Sue.

I will leave you with this quote that my dad read to me many times, by Stephen Covey: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think WIN/WIN, Seek first to Understand, Then To Be Understood, Synergize, Sharpen The Saw, Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Social and Emotional.

Thank you, Dad, for all the wonderful years. Farewell my dad, hero, friend and mentor. Until we meet again.

Love, your daughter, Sandy.

A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, followed by a service at 11 a.m. at the church.

My dad will be laid to rest Jan. 19, 2023, at Abingdon Episcopal Church Cemetery in Glouster, Va., next to his beloved wife; son, Richard; and grandson, Robert.

Flowers are welcome as dad loved them: Kirk’s Florist, 302-737-8072 or 302-737-3931. In addition, contributions may also be made to St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church; or Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, Second Floor, Newark, DE 19711.