John "Jack/Jakie" Howard McClelland

John (“Jack/Jakie”) Howard McClelland, 78, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle, on December 17, 2016, surrounded by his loving children.  Jack is survived by his adoring Daughter, Jacquelyn McClelland and her husband, Donald Donovan, of Lorton, Va., his loving son, Jeffrey M. McClelland and fiancé, Marie Pensabene of Nanuet, NY, his adoring grandchildren, Andrew and Douglas McClelland of Wilmington, DE, and brother and sister in law, Chuck and Katherine McClelland of Harleysville, Pa.  He was predeceased in his journey to Heaven by his loving wife of 44 years, Elizabeth “Betty” McClelland and his loving parents, Charles and Helen McClelland.

Jack also leaves behind many close friends and relatives from the South Pa, Lewes, De and the Alexandria, VA area.  Jack was a graduate of West Chester University majoring in a History with a teaching focus that led him to teaching stints at Northeast High School and several substitute teaching “gigs” at Newark and Wilmington, DE. schools.  Later, his passion for teaching, mentoring and pushing his students to achieve great heights, led him to a long career in Social Work within the State of Delaware including: The Delaware Health and Social Services Department, The Ferris School for Boys (through a joint venture with the State of Delaware), The Detoxification and Treatment Center of Wilmington, De, where he was Assistant Director.  We have special memories of our father while growing up as he and our Mother assisted Youth Runaway Programs in the State of Delaware, where Jack and his beloved wife, took into their home, many Runaway Female and Troubled Teens who had no where else to go and while encouraging their reuniting with their families.  Our Father fought hard to keep these “at risk” teens out of the “system”.  Jack loved the beach and the ocean—especially Ocean City, NJ and Rehoboth Beach DE.  He was passionate about the arts—especially movies and music. He had a keen memory for all things Film and historical things.  He would often break out in song and bring a smile to everyone around him.

Jack was actively involved in Parkinson's Education and Support Groups of Sussex County, Delaware.

Jack also completed a four year study course under the auspices of the Episcopal Church and administered by Sewanee (The University of the South) entitled Education for Ministry (EfM) in 2012.

We take comfort in knowing our father left this world singing Christmas Carols on the Wings of Angels and surrounded by beautiful and colorful Birds.  While we mourn the loss of our father, our faith keeps us strong, and we know he is at Peace, enjoying the fruits of his faith and Dancing and Singing with our Mother along with his parents and best friend “Denny” Coghlan.  We will celebrate our Father’s life in Springfield, Va. on January 4th and in Wilmington, De. on January 13th.  Details for both Memorial Celebrations are; January 4, 2017, 5:30-7:30PM Springfield Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152 and January 13, 2017 6-8PM Corleto Latina Funeral Home, 808 N Union St, Wilmington, DE 19805.  Of special note and due to the extraordinary Care, Compassion and Support from the Nurses and Doctors of the ICU Unit, “Comfort Care” team and Foundation Executives at Beebe Hospital, the family is asking that in Lieu of Flowers, donations be made in the memory of John H. McClelland to: Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road Lewes DE 19958.  All memorial donations received will be designated to advance care and innovation in the Intensive Care Unit and to support the education of nurses at the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare.