John M. Rookard
March 4, 1954 - February 10, 2026
John M. Rookard, age 71, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Born in Cleveland, OH, on March 4, 1954, he was a son of the late Ernest and Dorothy (Smith) Rookard, Sr. John worked as a truck driver and for the Department of Transportation for the State of Delaware. John obtained his pilot’s license in 1985. He took pride in having a license to drive any kind of vehicle from a car to a motorcycle to an 18-wheeler to tractors and snow plows to small aircraft.
John, affectionately called Johnny by loved ones and good friends, had a passion for many hobbies and pastimes over the years; fishing, shooting pool, flying planes, setting up aquariums at home, metal detecting, and a committed practice to Kung Fu, having achieved the master level. However, the golden thread in his life was making people laugh. He is remembered endearingly as a fun-loving, wise-cracking, and all-around good person. Those close to him feel incredibly lucky to have known him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Brenda L. (Church) Rookard; children, Jessie Evans (Eric) and Jen Rookard (Keith Bleeker); siblings, Ernest Rookard Jr., Sharon Rookard, and Kim Redwood; and grandchildren, Ella and Eugene Evans. He expressed enduring and everlasting love for his wife, children, siblings, and boundless affection and adoration of his two grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Rookard.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. The family has stated that attendees of the services and interment may feel free to dress casually.
Ernest Rookard
Rest peacefully Best Brother
Brigid
Our hearts are so broken losing Johnny in our lives. He was one of a kind and we loved him so very much. 48 years of love, laughter, and making memories will never be long enough. We love you, Johnny!
Brigid and Doug
Susie McCormick
Johnny was such fun to be around. You will be missed Cuz!
Charlene McCormick Hines
John R was a remarkable person and I am so fortunate to have had him as my cousin. ♥️ He was always the sunshine on a cloudy day.
Javier S.
Keith,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. During this difficult time, I hope you find comfort and support of those around you and strength in the cherished memories you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Javier S.
Cathy Rookard
Miss you already. Loved your laugh and your heart. Love you, cuz’.
John DiOrio
It was nice to know John the yard man at DelDot. He always made you laugh. R.I.P. John.
Aja
Keith, my deepest sympathy to you and Jen and the entire family. Thinking and praying for strength at this difficult time.
Julie
Johnny always made me laugh! I am so very sorry for your loss. His love for all of you was huge. May you carry that love forever in your hearts. And may his fun loving spirit shine on in your lives. With love, Julie R
Ryan Thompson
Jessie and family,
I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Please take solace in the fact that his memory will live on forever.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Ryann
Teresa York York
This is truly a great loss. Jonny was so caring and had such a great personality. I pray that God is with his family through this very difficult time.May they find peace In the years to come RIP Johnny.🙏🏼
Lisa Balback
We are so sorry for your loss. Rest easy John.
Love, Lisa and the girls
David B Reeder
John was a great guy. I always enjoyed working with him at DelDot. He was always in a good mood and had a great sense of humor. We always enjoyed joking and playing pranks on each other. I will always remember those times with fondness.