Deacon John “Jack” W. Freebery Jr.

B.S., M.Ed, and ED.D

Permanent Deacon John “Jack” Freebery Jr. entered this world on September 19, 1946, and went Home to his Heavenly Father on September 11, 2026, surrounded by family, the prayers of those who love him, and the faith community.

Jack was born in Wilmington, Delaware to John W. Freebery Sr. and Florence (Kelly) Freebery and was the oldest of four sons. Jack was predeceased by his parents and brother, Michael J. Freebery. He is survived by his brothers, Daniel (Diane) Freebery and Patrick (Lisa) Freebery.

Jack began his education at St. Thomas the Apostle and transferred to Corpus Christi Elementary School when his family moved to the Town of Elsmere. For high school, Jack attended his beloved Salesianum School and graduated in 1964. Jack spent his freshman year of college at Mount St. Mary’s before transferring to the University of Delaware, where he earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in School Counseling. He later continued his education and earned his Doctorate in Education Leadership in 1978 from NSU in FL.

Jack did not stop there! As a fervent Roman Catholic, he applied and was accepted to the Diocese’s three-year formation and discernment program. Jack was honored to be a member of the inaugural class and was ordained by Bishop Thomas Mardaga to the clerical order of Permanent Deacons in 1980. Over the next 40 years, Jack faithfully served as a deacon at Our Lady of Fatima in New Castle, St. Mary of the Assumption in Hockessin, and St. Ann’s in Bethany Beach.

Jack devoted 37 years to a career in education that began with a teaching job in the Newark Special School District (now known as Christina School District, Newark, DE). After years of teaching grades K-8, he moved into administration and held numerous positions in the New Castle County, Appoquinimink, and Red Clay Consolidated School Districts. During his career, his roles included Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Elementary and Middle Schools. He concluded his career as Deputy Superintendent of the Colonial School District and retired in 2007. Jack was extremely grateful for the professional relationships that he built throughout his career and deeply appreciated the support and lifelong friendships that developed among his colleagues.

During Jack’s high school years, he was blessed to meet Marie Lynch, his future and forever wife. Marie and Jack were married at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Wilmington, DE in 1968. They loved doing everything together, including swimming, biking, camping, snorkeling, attending their children’s sporting events, church ministry, and especially dancing to ’50s and ’60s rock & roll music. Their first family home was in Penn Acres, New Castle, DE. In 1985, Marie and Jack moved their family to the bucolic community of North Star in Newark, DE. Eventually they fulfilled a longtime dream when they built their retirement home at the beach in Ocean View, DE in 2004.

Jack is survived by his four wonderful children: Janay (Bruce Hannah), Kasey (Graham Burbage), Mark (Nancy Bennett), and Ann Marie (Brett Workman), and his nine grandchildren: Marie Louise, Kelly, Hannah, Lily, Jack, Addison, Julia, Gavin, and Sadie. The grandkids lovingly called him “Papa,” and he savored every moment with them. Jack was eternally grateful to his brother Patrick and his daughter Janay, who each donated a kidney to him, extending both the length and quality of his life.

Deacon Jack leaves us with one final, brief, but heartfelt homily: “Remember me as loving you!”

A celebration of Deacon Jack’s life will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 on Friday, September 18. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow in Delaney Hall, located next door to the church from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Interment will be private at the All Saints Cemetery Chapel in Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family requests any memorial donations be sent to:

• St. Vincent de Paul Conference, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Phone: 302-539-6449.
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• Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801-3209. Phone: 302-652-5523.