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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

John W Mayfield

John W Mayfield, age 90, of Wilmington, Delaware passed peacefully on September 27, 2024, surrounded by loving family.

John was born in Wilmington, DE, the son of Evart and Anna (Coombs) Mayfield. He graduated from Pierre S. DuPont High School in 1951 and completed a BS in Physics and Math from Purdue University in 1957.

After completing his studies at Purdue, John entered the military and was stationed at the US. Naval Research Laboratories from 1957-58 and Fort Bliss in 1958.

John married Valerie Elaine Anderson on September 5, 1958, in Wilmington, DE.  In early 1959, he joined Hercules, Inc. as an engineer in Chemical Propulsion working on projects in Utah, Cape Canaveral, New Jersey, and at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory.  Returning to Wilmington in 1966, he oversaw strategic efforts in several departments and led research in polymer chemistry.  In 1983, the polyolefin resin division of Hercules was acquired by Himont Inc., where John spent the last nine years of his career, leading global product development until his retirement in 1992.

John is survived by Valerie Anderson Mayfield, his wife of 66 years, their son Scott (Peggy) of Dover, MA, grandsons Andrew (Amymarie) of Hamden, CT and Stephen of Simsbury, CT, and a great-granddaughter Renata. John is also survived by his siblings, Richard Mayfield of Williamsburg, VA and Marilyn (Skip) Pennella of Chadds Ford, PA.

Donations in John’s memory may be directed to Humane Animal Partners Delaware

Funeral Services

Services will be private.

Condolences

    Edward Phillips writes,
    John was a kind, gentle and generous soul. I am eternally grateful for his support and encouragement during my career at HIMONT. Sending my sincerest condolences to his family.
    09/30/2024 01:00 pm
    Jerry Barsha PS '55 writes,
    To John Mayfield's family I extend my most sincere sympathy. John was a loyal P. S. Dynamiter, marrying Valerie and living on 36th Street for so many years. He followed in his father's footsteps by working at Hercules. May his memory be for a blessing. RIP John.
    10/01/2024 09:08 am
    Lisa Pode Hughes writes,
    Sending deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr John Mayfield from myself and the faculty and staff of Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development, in which our friend and colleague Prof Scott Mayfield is a long time key faculty member and cherished friend.
    10/01/2024 03:52 pm

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