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John Martin Willard “Jack”

John Martin Willard “Jack”, age 79, of Wilmington, DE., passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Jack was born in Wilmington, DE., son of the late Harold Ernest and Catherine Martin Willard. He graduated from Salesianum in 1964, the University of Delaware in 1968 and then the University of Louisville Kentucky Law School in 1971. He was the chief prosecutor in the Attorney Generals Office from 1981 to 1986. Following that he was self employed as a criminal defense lawyer from 1987 to 2014.

Jack is survived by his son, E.J. Willard, of Wilmington, his grandson, Chase Willard, of Wilmington, his brother, Robert Willard and his sister Marie Grabowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 901 N. duPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805. A viewing will be held at church prior to the mass beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be private.

 

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Funeral Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 901 N. duPont St., Wilmington, DE 19805. A viewing will be held at church prior to the mass beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be private.

Condolences

    jim collins lit a candle and writes,
    Hope your transit went smoothly Jack and that your destination is every bit as spectacular as the priests and nuns at Corpus Christi told us it would be those 70+ years ago. See you soon, Jim Collins.
    06/20/2025 01:25 pm
    Ed Pankowski lit a candle and writes,
    Jack a great friend ever since we graduated from Sallies and UofD together… we also worked on several cases together as defense lawyers… RIP, my friend
    06/20/2025 04:46 pm
    Ed Pankowski lit a candle and writes,
    Jack and I were friends ever since we graduated together from Sallies then the University of Delaware… We had several cases together as defense attorneys, and Jack was a good lawyer… RIP my friend
    06/20/2025 04:54 pm
    Jack Ciancio lit a candle and writes,
    I have known Jack for 70+ years....we grew up together in Elsmere so many years ago.....he comes from a great family ...he is a great guy that will be missed by many...Rest in Peace my friend
    06/21/2025 02:27 pm
    Michael D Nardozzi, Sr. writes,
    Saddened to learn that Jack had passed away. We were classmates at Sallies. May God give strength to his family at this difficult time, and May He Rest In Peace. Another Salesian Gentleman gone home to The Lord.
    06/23/2025 11:40 am
    Frank F Pacinelli writes,
    To: The Family of Jack Willard, Please accept my sincere condolences on Jack's passing. In addition to attending and graduating from Salesianum together, Jack and I also worked the summer night shift at Electric Hose and Rubber Company to help pay college expenses. He was a very, good man! I still remember his remarkable deep voice which I am sure served him well in his law practice. If I can be of any assistance to Jack's family, do not hesitate to let me know. Sincerely, Frank Pacinelli 913-783-4715
    06/23/2025 03:47 pm
    Joe Salvatore lit a candle and writes,
    Always will remember Jack as a person who would call it like it is. He was from a prominent and Catholic family who lived on Wilmington Avenue in Elsmere. His entire family was an iconic and wonderful one, and all were success stories. RIP Jack. You are home with Ernie and your parents in Heaven now.
    06/23/2025 09:00 pm
    Rosalie Rutkowski writes,
    Rest in Peace Jack. We were friends for 50 plus years. You will be missed.
    06/24/2025 02:33 pm
    Eugene J. Maurer, Jr. writes,
    Jack was my cocounsel in the Martin/Massey murder death penalty case approximately 50 years ago. Jack gave the finest summation in the death penalty part of the case that I've ever heard and saved our client's life. We also became friendly working at the P.D.'s office together. Really good guy. I'll miss you Jack. Gene
    06/24/2025 02:48 pm
    Kathy Cummings Hays writes,
    I was so saddened to hear of your passing. Memories of childhood, high school, nuns and rulers have come flooding back. Be at peace, Jackie. You deserve it.
    06/25/2025 12:51 pm
    Gae Piotti writes,
    All of us who attend the 4:30 Mass at St Mary Magdalen and sit in the same area where you used to sit miss seeing you at Mass and wish we had made the effort to get to know you better when you were right there with us every week. We noticed your absence and missed your presence even though we hardly knew anything about you. We pray for your peaceful repose.
    11/29/2025 08:28 am

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