John L. Filasky, Sr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

John L. Filasky, Sr.

August 17, 1951 - January 11, 2021

 John L. Filasky, Sr., age 69, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021.

Born in Long Island, NY on August 17, 1951, he was a son of the late Raymond J. and Elizabeth Ann (Healy) Filasky.

John was raised on a cabbage and potato farm in Middletown where he learned the value of living and growing in a small farm community. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling while attending Middletown High School. John had an appreciation for sports cars and music. Most days in a Filasky home began with a few verses of “It’s A Beautiful Morning.”

He attended the University of Delaware for 2 years before returning to Middletown to own and operate Filasky’s Ag Services with his father and brother. During this time, John met and later married the love of his life, Cindi, and started their family. In 1981, he had achieved his dream of owning his own farm and began what is now Filasky’s Produce. Many students from the M.O.T area had their first job at Filasky’s and continued to return through their college years. John was not only an employer, but a mentor for most, and expected everyone’s best while helping them grow into a good person. He would often do this by telling a story or quoting an ageless phrase. John took pride in growing his famous “John’s Corn”, and enjoyed greeting customers, friends and neighbors from his familiar chair under the pavilion. He loved working with his family in their little corner of the woods. John’s career in agriculture extended beyond the farm in service to the agricultural community. He was involved in both the county and state boards of the Delaware Farm Bureau as well as the Delaware Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. John also served on the state board of the USDA Farm Service Agency. The Filasky Family have been named farm family of the year and earned various other recognitions for their good and sustainable farming practices. John’s love of agriculture lives on in his family and is ever present in the ideas he brought to the farm and the organizations he served. His forward thinking, attention to detail and willingness to try new things brought many improvements to the farm. John took great care in instilling the same values he learned from his parents into his children.

He was a delightful combination of his father and mother. John was a faithful friend to many. He was always ready to lend a helping hand for family, friends, church or community. Very few people can say that they knew what they wanted to do with their life in the first grade; John knew. He always wanted to farm and had the proverbial green thumb. The focus and drive John had that enabled him to be a successful farmer, in spite of having to start from scratch, were the same things that made him a success at life. He was committed to his wife and family in ways that helped them all achieve individual successful. Regardless of how demanding John may have seemed, one could readily see in his family how much love he bestowed upon them.

John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia (Thomas) Filasky; children, Julia Winkler (Vince) and John Jr. (Nicole), both of Middletown and Tim (Danielle) of Newark; siblings, Ray (Eileen) of Mechanicsville, VA, Roseanne LeRoy of Wilmington and Peggy Filasky of Redding, CA; and grandchildren, Frank Winkler and Juno Filasky.

All services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to The Old Bohemia Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 61, 1690 Bohemia Church Road, Warwick, MD 21912.

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119 Condolences for John L. Filasky, Sr.

  • All around nice guy with a great family; so sorry for your loss.

  • So sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was quite a character, hard working, enjoyed life & loved his family. John and his family are in my prayers.
    God bless you all.

  • We have loved being John’s neighbor, enjoying his delicious corn and company. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Learned a lot about hard work picking sweet corn for John. A true Middletown original. Very sorry for your loss.

  • I am so sorry that John has passed on, but I know that he is not lost to any of you. All of the memories of your lifetimes together will sustain you through the grief and John’s spirit will be right there in the room enjoying the stories right along with you. He is now free to be with all of you again, help guide you in the future, and walk his beloved farm.

  • Blessed of peace and God’s Grace be with your family during this very difficult time.

  • Cindi and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
    John was such a big part of our community and will certainly be missed.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    Kenny & Nancy Branner

  • Can remember many of the early morning truck rides back to the farm with Big John after picking corn. And they won’t be forgotten. He will surely be missed.

  • To Cindi and family,
    My sincere condolences to you, what an honor and privilege it was to work with John and your family. What a great legacy he leaves behind. May peace be with you at this time.

  • Cindi & family,
    So sorry to hear of John’s demise. He will be sorely missed on the farm and in the community. Your family has been wonderful in mentoring our children and so many others. Our prayers & thoughts are with you through this time!
    Wayne & Sharon morris

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. All our love and prayers are going out to you and your family.

  • A kind, gentle, funny, smart man. I have missed our short talks when I came to the farm to purchase your great product. It was by Gods grace we met on our way back from Atlantic City to Laurel and got the first taste of your corn. Magic! You will be missed sir.

  • Cyndi and family: I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. John was a wonderful man and will be missed🙏

  • Cindi and family, we are so sorry for your loss. John was a great man. Our thought and prayers are with you all.

  • Love you Big John. Some of the best memories of my childhood are of riding John Deere tractors on the farm. Know that Nolan has my collection of toy ones! He also loves riding the tractors at Big Frank’s “farm”. We all know you always had the better farm. Love you.

  • I have John since the early 60’s. He has always been someone to look up to.
    God bless you

  • Dear Cindi and family,

    So sorry to hear of Johns passing. I guess God was having a problem with the corn this year and called in the best man for help😢. He will be truly missed by all, especially Middletown. Love and hugs to you and all your family.

  • We are saddened to hear of John’s passing-our thoughts & prayers are with you. You will have many great memories to hold close!

  • Cindi and family, we are so sorry to hear the news of John’s passing. He was a hard worker who loved his family and his community. You are in our prayers. -Kitty and Donna

  • Jimmy & I are so sorry to hear of John’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Filasky family!

  • Cindi and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Cindi so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. John was a great guy. Both Andrea and Michael worked for the farm and learned the true value of a good days work.
    Lynn & Mike Cox

  • So very glad I got to meet this man. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be in your hearts forever. His legacy lives on

  • We are so sadden to hear of John’s passing. But know he will always be with all of you in all of your wonderful memories & in your hearts. Rick and I will hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rest in peace John ❤️🙏❤️🙏
    Rick & Chris Fagles

  • Cindi,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the passing of John. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Cindi, Julie & Johnny.
    Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers. Although we didn’t know John as well as we would have liked, we have fond memories of his kindness to us and all of your customers. May he Rest In Peace🙏🏻

  • Dear Cyndi and family, Grace and Katie and Theo and I will always have fond memories of John. I’m so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Scott Lawrence

  • Bob and I send our love and prayers to the Filasky family. I have many fond memories of John. May God comfort you and help you find peace in your beloved memories.

  • My heart goes out to you. Our family always admired the determination and drive that John had for a successful business. He will be dearly missed.

  • Dear Cindi, Julie, Johnny & Timmy:
    As a family, we have all shared in our love for John. His values of protecting Family, Friends and Farm were always his top priority!! Growing up together from the 1950’s-1970’s, John always made sure all things were completed on our farm before
    “Having fun”… however we were able to do both!! On date night, John would say.. “Roseanne I would appreciate it if you would pick Cindi up at Glen Farms and bring her down to the farm.. by that time I will be finished planting and I will have more time to spend with her”. Of course I would because I always knew Cindi was the BEST for John!! When we returned John was not finished and Cindi would jump out of the car to see him and would help him complete his day…as she has done for 47 plus years! John, I am so thankful for You,Cindi and your entire family!
    I will forever miss the “twinkle in your eyes”, your fun spirit and the memories we have shared!
    Love you forever!!
    Roseanne

  • My heart goes out to you Cindi, and the entire Filasky family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Our families (who my mom called the Middletown gang) have been more than friends (for at least 60 years) – I have come across many pictures where our families celebrated milestones, events or just to visit – wonderful memories of fun, laughter and smiles. John, may God bless you and your family, may the eternal light shine upon you, rest in peace.
    (Hey, would you give my love to your parents and mine, my brother, too!)
    Cindy and Grabo
    Grabowski

  • I am so sorry. John will be missed by many. He was a mentor to both Chris and Jason and I heard many a tales. God bless

  • John was a best friend to everyone he knew. I always enjoyed his stories and when things didn’t go right, we always got a good chuckle when he got into a bind. But he always managed to fix things. And I’ve never met a family with such a tight bond with not just themselves, but his community family. God bless and may he bring his personality to heaven. They will definitely enjoy him.❤️

  • Dear Cindy,
    We are so very sorry. Sending love, peace and comfort to all the Filaskys.
    George, Lea and the kids

  • Dear Cindi and Family,
    I am so incredibly sorry to hear of John’s passing. I will always cherish the many memories with you all. Sending love and hugs to to you all.
    Beth Money

  • Cindy and family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Loved Johns corn.

  • Cindi, Condolences to your family. John will always be with you. You have wonderful memories that will always be with you.

  • Cindi I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a fixture around the farm. I’m so glad he perfected corn on the cob because his is the best! My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the kids. He will still be with you all through the memories and stories you will tell for years.

  • The Filasky family is such an important part of Middletown and John was the man with the smile! A great loss to us all. You are all in our prayers.

  • So saddened for the family. He is at peace.

  • Mrs. Filasky & Family,
    It was an honor to know John. He always made us laugh. He had a strong will & a kind heart.
    Our deepest sympathies & prayers go out to your family.

  • Cindi and family I am so sorry for your loss. May Christ comfort you as only He can. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

  • My condolences to the Family, God Bless and prayers.

  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss Cindi. He was such a great and good man. I enjoyed that every time I saw him and said “Hello” I received the same back with a beautiful big smile. You have so many great memories which will help see you through this time. The loss never truly goes away but does get easier. Sending you my love and prayers. Kathy Lukas

  • I am so sad to hear this. I had only met him a handful of times but he was always friendly and loved his corn. My son Brandon loved sitting on his tractor when we would come visit. The last time we visited he was still in the hospital getting around. I spoke with Cindy on my last visit and called my parents so that they could talk to you because they weren’t able to make the drive. My parents always spoke highly of John, Cindy, Julia and John Jr. I will say a prayer for him and wish nothing but the best for his family during this difficult time. Hugs to you Cindy. I hope to come back during the summer. Love you all.

  • Cindi and Family,
    Our heartfelt condolences on John’s passing. How fortunate are we to be just a corn field away from such a Middletown institution as that built by him. Rarely a week goes by in the summer that we aren’t there buying corn and more. Wishing you some level of peace during this very difficult time.
    Ellen and Frank Bockman
    Matapeake

  • Cindi, Julie, Johnny, and Tim,

    So sorry to hear about John. He was quite the presence at the farm and will be missed. We will keep you in our thoughts at this time and please let Walt and I know if we can do anything for you.

  • So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Love and strength to the family.

  • Cindi & Family,
    Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will miss him too.

  • I am so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He always had a smile. Both his kindness and love of agriculture were infectious. An incredible person. He will be miss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • We are so sorry to hear of his passing, sending our deepest sympathy and condolences. Keeping your family in our prayers. 💞🙏

  • I am so sorry for your loss, John was one of the best. I have been coming to Filasky’s for over 20 years and he always greeted you with a smile and the utmost respect. He will be missed. ❤️

  • i am very sorry to hear of mr Filasky’s passing. my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family

  • So very sorry for your loss, I always took my kids there when they were little, we picked our own pumpkins and loved shopping in the little store. Such a sad loss for the community, his legacy will live on! May he Rest In Peace!

  • I’m so saddened to hear the news of John’s passing. He was such a strong presence in the community. I will always remember his generosity, strong work ethic, his love for his family, and his love of farming. As you are grieving, my prayers are with you as he rests in peace.

  • Cindi and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Bret learned quite a lot from his first job on your farm. He always got a kick out of John requesting you to ‘make him a sammich’. We are truly saddened by John’s passing, a true Middletown icon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Doug, Katie & Bret Sweetman

  • We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We love your family and your farm and he’ll be missed. Blessings and prayers.

  • Our sincere condolences to the Filasky family. My Father, Ellison Ireland, visited the farm daily. I went with him many times and after his passing my husband and I went to the store and upon entering I had so many wonderful memories of my Father and me in the store that I told my husband you will have to finish purchasing and I will be waiting in the car. “Memories” – we will have have them. Sincerely, Edie & Joe Piatelli, Georgetown, MD.

  • My sister And I send Deepest Condelences to the family. A Great man he definitely was. Memories and talks shared.

  • Sorry for your loss. I will keep the family in my prayers.

  • Cindi and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. The Filasky Farm, you and John built along with your family, has always been such a “Way of Life” to Middletown. We pray that you and your family continue the tradition and that you are comforted by the many happy memories shared by your many friends and customers. Love and prayers to all.
    Jimmy and Gail Young

  • We are sending you all our condolences and prayers. Love the DegliObizzi Family

  • Dear Cindy and family,
    How sad we are to learn of John’s passing. We fondly remember years and years ago of picking that fresh corn when visiting family. Our grandsons have had such fun visiting the pumpkin patch. May G-d guide you during this difficult time.

  • So very sorry to hear this. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
    Scott and Pam Unruh

  • This brings great sadness to not only myself but to the comunity who knew and loved him. My daughter loved visiting the farm and seeing Mr john sitting there with that big smile to greet us. He was always quick to give me tips when i was stumped with an ag issue at work. A wealth of knowlege to say the least. He will be truly missed.

  • So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Big John gave me my first job and taught me the value of hard work that shaped my life forever. My most favorite memories of growing up were working on the farm with you and your family. Rest in peace.

  • Cyndi and family,
    Growing up on “Star Route”, riding the bus, going to school, and “hanging out” with the Filasky clan during Middletown’s best years truly hold fond memories for the Perry family. The “twinkle in John’s eyes” (as Roseanne mentioned) was always there when I saw him at his farm in recent years. John provided our children with an abundance of great stories from working at Filaskys! A great guy to count as a friend. Prayers to all.

  • Cindi and family, so sorry for your lost. My condolences to you and your family. May he R.I.P.

  • Cindi and family,
    Very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Paul and Rita McCommons

  • So sorry to hear of Johns passing. My prayers are with the Filasky family.

  • Cindi,
    Our Heartfelt Condolences to you and your Family for your loss!
    John was a mentor for our son John!
    Your family has been an Amazing part of our family’s lives since relocating here in 2005.
    Please know that our Thoughts and Prayer are with the Filasky Family during this sad time!

  • Cindi and family, we are so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of John, I’ve known him since, well as long as I can remember. Vickie loved talking to him whenever she came to the market and had a chance to chat. John was a great asset to the MOT community and will surely be missed by many! You are in our prayers!
    Chris & Vickie Cox

  • I am so sorry to be reading John’s obituary. He was a lovely man, and will be missed. Always enjoyed driving to Filasky’s from Collins’s Farm for John’s corn and tomatoes. With sincere sympathy, Suzanne Collins (Mrs. Norman E. Collins, Jr.)

  • So sorry to hear this. John was a great guy. I met his entire family while doing work for them. Hard working with a great personality Family was his number 1 priority. Prayers to his family, he will be missed by the entire community.

  • A wonderful model of a true farmer. My Dad would be proud of how he represented the calling.

  • To the whole Filasky family –
    I’m so very sorry for your loss! I have many wonderful memories of visiting Mr. Filasky with my Dad, and learning all things vegetables. I always remember him as a very kind and patient man. Sending lots of love to you all –

  • Cindi and family,

    We are so sorry to hear of the passing of John. A great person and family man with lasting memories for all he has done in this community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss.

  • Cindi, Johnny, Julie and Tim,
    Kathy and I were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please accept our most heart felt condolences. John and Cindi were one of the first neighbors we met when we moved next door to your farm way back in July of 1986. From then on until the last time we saw John it was always a great experience to talk to him and all the rest of the family. You made us feel welcome and we have become lifelong customers of your wonderful produce, especially John’s delicious corn. You all are in our thoughts and if there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.

  • We are so sorry for your family’s loss. You are in our thoughts!

  • My sympathies to the family. He was a legend, a man of honor. He instilled great qualities in his children. My condolences.

  • Cindi…I am beyond shocked and devastated for you and your family!! We are just heartbroken! We love you and are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!

  • Cindi and family, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.God Bless. Sincerely, Felix and Karen Rutkoske

  • Dear Filasky family, we are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our family has enjoyed coming to your produce store for many, many years, and when Mr John was around, he would always greet us kindly, with a smile, and a bit of a chat. He will be greatly missed. May it bring you some comfort to know that there are many people keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.

  • Dear Filasky Family,
    John was a beloved classmate and a really great guy. So very sorry for your loss. May you find great comfort in all the memories you have!
    Patty Z Petro

  • Dear Cindi and family, Ron and I send our deepest sympathies for your devastating loss. John was always a stable and friendly man that we enjoyed chatting with whenever possible. With our sincere love and prayers for strength at this unhappy time.
    Joan and Ron Sabbato

  • Thank you for what you, Cindy and family created. Your vision will live on for many years to come and continue to positively affect many.
    Rest well 💜

  • Cindi and the entire Filasky family, I am so sorry this day has come. We will all miss the smile.
    My first ever job was beside John and Ray on their parent’s nine-foot road vegetable farm, and I feel we could tell then what his path would be.
    We will miss you John.

  • My dear Cindi and Family, so very, very shocked and so sorry to read of your unbearable loss. My love and prayers are with you and yours.

  • Our deepest condolences to Cindy and family on your loss of John. Prayers

  • Mr. John: will miss all our “corny” conversations. Our prayers to all the Filasky family. Roger & Ronnie

  • So very sorry for your loss, Cindi, my thoughts are with you and your family.

  • John Lawrence Filasky, to know him as a friend and to love him as a brother is one of life’s gifts which will nurture your soul every day. This will continue even after his passing. We’ll see you later John.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with all of John’s family as you mourn his passing. His obituary is a wonderful tribute to his life and the Filasky farm legacy. I have happy memories of times at the farm with his sister, Peggy, building Middletown High School floats. I know how much she will miss her big brother.

  • Cindy and Family

    I am very sorry for your loss and am praying that God comforts you in this tough time.

  • I was so sorry to hear of big John’s passing. I always enjoyed talking to him when I visited the farm stand. I’ve always considered the Filasky family good friends of mine. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts, and prayers.

  • So sorry to hear of John’s passing!! He will be a legend in the Middletown community. I refuse to eat any corn , other then John’s. Nothing measures up. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.

  • Have such fond memories visiting the family farm when I was a child. John tried to make our visit so memorable. Miss him and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace.

  • My deepest condolences to your family. May the many great memories you have of John carry you through the difficult days.
    Prayers

  • Great family, great times on the farm, many memories, and much laughter. You all always made me feel as if I was part of the family regardless of the years going by. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • What a great farmer.Cindy you and your family have my deepest condolences.Gordon & John Wilson

  • Dear Cindi and Family,
    So sad to hear about John, he was a lovely man and always a familiar face around the farm. You and your love ones were blessed to have had John.
    My condolences, Cheryl and Bill Shields

  • My deepest condolences 💐 May you find great comfort in your wonderful memories of John.

  • Cindi may you take comfort in all the lives John touched. John was a great guy and I remember him always smiling with a twinkle in his eyes. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May all your memories comfort you at this difficult time! Hugs!!
    Sue Burns Hensley

  • I only knew John from purchasing his delicious corn each year, halving grown up similar to John we did talk of how much our little town had changed. To his wife and family, you have my sympathy, losing a loved one is difficult to say the least. Remember Christ has prepared a place for us all and John as an angel has gone home.
    Please accept my condolences and thoughts and prayers for your family. RIP my friend.

  • Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with John Jr., Cindi, and the rest of the Filasky family. With sympathy, Janet, Len, Chase, Michael and Nicole. (Fontello’s and Cullum’s)

  • To the entire Filasky family,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Filasky’s passing. Josh and I both have fond funny memories of him
    and our summer jobs. We wish you all peace and comfort.
    Thinking of you all,
    Josh and Erin Hitchens

  • Tim and John,
    So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My sincere condolences to your entire family. May god give you and all in your family the strength to get through this time of grief. Your Dad was a great human with a great sense of humor. Have fond memories of the little time that I spent with him. Please convey my regards to your Mom. Take care, stay safe and see you around soon.

  • Dear Cindi and family,
    I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of him from high school and beyond. Your husband and dad was always a friendly guy with a great smile. I hope all your memories will bring you peace during this sad time.

    Debbie M. Heverin

  • So sorry for the Filasky family’s loss. John was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him.

  • Cindi & family,
    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Middletown has lost a truly great man. Hold tight your memories. Prayers and blessings to you all.

  • My condolences to John’s family & friends. He was such a great guy and I’m sure will be missed by many who knew him.

  • So sorry.. Hoping entire family is coping. Warmest wishes to all.
    The Hurtt family

  • My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  • My sincere condolences to Cindi and family. You will have very many fond memories of him. I always enjoyed talking about my small garden with him. He listened and gave me advice. Take care everyone and treasure your memories.

  • I will miss seeing John at his produce stand, Wendell and i always went there because Wendell wanted his corn on the cob but know he can grow some up there and Wendell can get some. Rest in peace John

  • To all of Johns family,
    So sorry for your loss. I have never seen a family so close to each other and work so hard together. You all are in our prayers.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Pearl and Kenny

  • We always enjoyed our holidays together on Long Island. The family never missed a Xmas at grandma’s !!
    He was a few years older than me and was a big influence in my life being a roll model in so many ways.
    Life growing up with farmers was a such an unforgettable, loving experience.

  • Cindi & Family, We were sad to hear of John’s passing. John was well-loved and respected. He had great character! God Bless you and your family
    Joyce and Kenny