John J. Offner, known as “Jack” to his friends, 89, of Dover, died on May 30, 2016 in Milford, DE. Born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph and Mari Becker Offner. His father died of sickness in 1939 and thus, Jack spent six years in orphanages, St. Vincent’s Orphanage (1937-40) and in St. Joseph’s House for Boys (1940-43). At the age of sixteen, he left to join U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy as Seabee from August 1943 to June 1946. During this time, he spent 18 months in the Pacific Ocean theatre and took part in the Philippine invasion in October 1944. For this service, he was awarded the Pacific Liberation Medal and the Philippine Medal with one star. He was honorably discharged in June 1946. In 1947, he married the love of his life, Erma L. Offner. Thereafter, he graduated from Temple University High School and then, graduated from Temple University’s School of Business in 1954. He spent the majority of his career working for Playtex International and this job moved him and his family to Newnan, GA, Dorado, Puerto Rico and then to Dover, DE. Jack loved sports. He coached little league baseball, basketball, and football. He played baseball, softball, tennis, golf and was a life-long bowler. He was also a lifetime member of the B.P.O. Elks and a member of Maple Dale Country Club, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Besides his parents, Jack was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Erma L. Offner, who passed in 2012; also preceded in death by his siblings Joseph Offner, Emil Offner and Elsie Eickoff. He is survived by his seven children and their families; sons Jim and his wife Eileen, Gregory and his wife Debbie, Bruce and his wife Patti, Eric and his wife Jane E, John and his wife Aline, daughters: Pamela Moore, Rosemary Bagwell and her husband Michael; 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and one sibling, his sister Anna Cutillo.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Interment will be private in The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. Life’s End Services are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Condolences may be forwarded via www.ambruso.com
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