John M. Rosko
September 23, 1946 - July 28, 2026
John M. Rosko, age 79, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Born in the Bronx, NY on September 23, 1946, he was a son of the late Dewey “Joe” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Hornacek) Rosko. John proudly served in the United States Army where he worked on Hawk missiles, and spent a year in beautiful Germany. After the Army, he went into a long career as a computer programmer and systems analyst. John exceled in his career due to his outstanding logic and detailed performance.
From a young age, with the help of his dad, John loved and understood the mechanics of cars. He loved Fords, especially Mustangs, as well as attending all kinds of car shows throughout many states. John belonged to the First State Mustang and Ford Club in Delaware for many years. He also volunteered on their executive board in the role of newsletter editor and publisher for the last 10 years. John was very proud of his accomplishments and the club.
John loved being on a crew in sailing races on Greenwood Lake, located on the border of New York and New Jersey. He would be a part of the crew in a Lighting boat on the weekends and enjoyed many rides in a speed boat with his wife on the lake. John also loved to fly small planes and achieved his pilot’s license, working his way up to an instructor rating. He and his dad would fly to many airports together, and John and his wife enjoyed many airshows locally and out of state.
His life was about the love of family and friends. John enjoyed time with all his family as he danced the polka or just laughed for hours. He will always be remembered as a good man, and a loving father, grandfather and husband. John was a wonderful friend to many and will be missed terribly.
John is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Debra J. “Debby” (Lewis) Rosko; daughters, Laura West (Bud) and Sharon Proia (Mark); stepdaughter, Stacy Jost (Bill); and grandchildren, Ryan, Jessica, Nicole, Ethan, Emma, Katherine, and Olivia.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12:30 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online by clicking here. He was honored to have served his country and respected so highly others that have served.
Caitlyn Young
John was a gem of a human being. Gracious and kind, always willing to crack a joke and smile. He loved his family and friends which was always evident and shown. I will personally miss our trivia battles and his voice calling me “shortie.” Or “shortstack.”
My condolences to his beautiful family, his amazing wife Debby and his children and grandchildren. All the people who met him were lucky enough to be in his presence.
The world was a better place with John Rosko in it, now heaven is even better.
Until the next ride 💛
Michelle Staffone
Words can’t fully express how sorry Brian and I are for your loss. John was such a special part of our lives and our car club family. We will always cherish the great times, conversations, and laughs we shared with him at the meets and shows over the years.
We are holding you tight in our hearts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a shoulder, a helping hand, or just some quiet company.
With deepest love and sympathy,
Michelle & Brian Staffone
John Anderson
John was a special and unique man. We would often joke around at our many car shows. John was the best! God bless John and God bless Debby.
John Swyka
It was an honor to get to know John over these last handful of years or so. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations whether it was about cars, airplanes or just life in general. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends, John is going to be missed for sure. Rest easy my friend.
John M Young
So sorry Debby, sincere condolences to you and your family.
May God embrace John & may the memories of your life together comfort you.
I will miss him deeply.
David Halliday
Debby, so sorry for your loss. John was very giving person and a great guy. He will be missed but we can all celebrate the life he had! His contributions to the First State Club were truly appreciated and to his service to the country. Rest In Peace
Carol Lehe/Sauls
Debby and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the heartbreak you are going through, but I send my love and prayers for peace and comfort.
George & Gail Bowersox
So heartbreaking to hear about John. He was a very friendly person and we always enjoyed talking to him. John was very meticulous when detailing his car for a show and George learned a lot from watching him. He will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to Debby and the family. Debby you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Salvatore
It was always a pleasure to talk with you and your wife. John, rest in peace you will be missed.
Christine Jett
So sorry to hear about John’s Passing. Sending Thoughts and Prayers for John and his Family at this very difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.
Claudia Clayton
God Bless you Deb. You will see John in Gloryland. 1 Thessalonians….4:13, 17 – 18…🙏❣️
Bob & Shannon Marchiani
Debby, Family and Friends,
We are so sorry for your loss
Our sympathy and prayers are with you all 🙏🏼
Kristen Antal
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Praying for peace and comfort for Debby and his family.
Lucille
John was our best friend. He was loved and respected by all who met him. We had many good times together laughing, sharing stories, playing cards and day trips. He had many accomplishments in his life time. He excelled in his ability to solve technical problems. He was extremely proud to be a veteran. He made a difference in many people’s lives. We will miss him but never forget him. Our condolences to Debby and thier lovely family. Sincerely Lucille & Jerry Dickerson
Ginny Corrigan
I am so very sorry for your loss. John was an old school gentleman. He was a gracious, kind, and sweet presence. We are all better for having known him. He will be missed terribly.
Jeanne Sanchez
With much sympathy and prayers to the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Jeanne Sanchez
Linda W
I worked with John in the early 90’s at thenow defunct Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. He was a terrific system analyst and even better man. I shall miss ourexchange of Christmas cards.
Victor Janvier
Debby & Family. I am so sorry for John’s passing. I have lived in Florida, full time, since 2017. I have stayed a club member enjoying John’s club news letter. He was a fantastic organizer putting the letter together for all of us to read. Hopefully he will see all the kind thoughts people have left in his name. God bless.
Ruth Corey
John will be missed greatly but he will never be forgotten. Some people are a jack of all trades and master of none but not John he was skilled and diligent and mastered each task he undertook. His mechanical abilities were second to none. Not only could he maintain his beloved Mustang but he could take it all apart and rebuild it better than before. His programming skills were outstanding. John was a great friend and mentor. But what i enjoyed most was seeing him interact with his family. They celebrated so many milestones together. During each one they turned moments into memories with all the love they shared. A man who immersed himself into everything and everyone he cared about has left an amazing legacy for his children, grandchildren and wife Debby.