John F. “Jack” Kirk, Jr.
June 15, 1931 - October 30, 2025
John F. “Jack” Kirk, Jr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his home in Venice, Florida. Jack was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 15, 1931. He was formerly of Delaware City and South Bethany, Delaware. Jack lived a long full life with a loving family, friends and a diverse career.
He was the devoted husband of Margaret F. “Peggy” (Nickle) Kirk. They started dating when he was sixteen and she was thirteen as they met when Jack served as her parent’s paperboy. On December 12th of this year, they would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Jack was the proud father to three children: John F. Kirk, III (Maryann) of Sarasota, FL and Bethany Beach, Delaware; David K. Kirk (Diane) of Delaware; and Cynthia Kirk Bendler (Mark, predeceased) of Delaware City, DE and Venice FL.
He was the loving grandfather of Megan Brittingham (Ben Walls), Heather Kirschner (Jay), Robert Sterling (Danielle), D. Keith Kirk (Lauren), Cpt. John F. Kirk, IV, US Army JAG Corps and Dr. Ethan H. Kirk. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Tyler Wood, Evan Brittingham, Madalynn Brittingham, Landon Sterling, Maci Sterling, Tripp Kirk, Rowan Kirk and Jack Walls and his faithful grand dogs Oliver and Harry. He is also survived by his brother Paul Tilton, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John F. Kirk, Sr. and Mary Isabell Tilton, and sisters Margaret Kirk Bleyer and Joanne Nelson.
Jack was a graduate of Salesianum School, attended Goldey-Beacom College and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His career in state and county government included membership in the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, County Council President, Director in the Department of Labor and Acting Secretary of Labor. He was also the former owner of Kirk’s Hardware in Delaware City. After retirement he and Peggy moved to Venice, FL in 1993. In Venice he met countless friends and fellow golfers at Plantation Golf and Country Club where he was a member. Jack was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes R. C. Church, Venice, FL and the American Legion Post number 13, Delaware.
In accordance with his wishes, Jack will be cremated and his remains will be buried in his hometown of Delaware City, DE. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 209 Washington Street, Delaware City, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Inurnment will be held privately in Delaware City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations made be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Teresa Maria Vikari
I will be there on behalf of the Escheu Family; I will be there to represent the Gannon/Escheu family. I will see you all at church Wednesday.
Patterson Family
To the Kirk Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all love and hugs Mary June, Lisa, and Joe (Jose)
Sarah Bleyer
Condolences & Prayers for you all at this time. Hug for All.
HKHarding, Jr.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Kirk. Went to school at Gunning Bedford and played little league baseball with Jack Jr. and David. I remember the hardware store and when he was President Pro Tem. Always saw him around town to say hello. Deepest condolences and sympathies to all the family.
Margaret Morton
I have fond memories from working for Mr. Kirk at the Department of Labor.
The Kirk Family is in my thoughts and prayers. Margie Morton
David Low
My deepest condolences to Jack’s loving family and friends. Health issues kept me from attending services today, but I wanted to share my memories of working with Jack at the Delaware City refinery. I was just 19 when we met. Jack mentored me in a way, not only about work, but life in general. Though we drifted apart over the years, I’ll always remember those special times we shared together. May he rest in peace!!
P.s. I have a picture of him that I’d like to share, but don’t know how to do on this site.
God bless you all
Tom MacPherson
John,
I just learned that your father passed away. Please accept my deepest condolences. Your father dedicated his life to public service in Delaware and his accomplishments were numerous. He worked hard and played hard, always knowing the appropriate time for each. When I first became a division director, he was so supportive and was always willing to share his experiences and to be a sounding board. He was truly a gentleman and I always thought highly of him and was glad we got to work together as division directors. I know he he will be missed by family and all who knew him.
May your father rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.
Thinking of you and your family,
Tom MacPherson