John P. “Foxy” Fox
April 12, 1939 - May 5, 2022
John P. “Foxy” Fox, age 83, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 5, 2022.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on April 12, 1939, he was one of 12 children and a son of the late Mary Margaret Maxwell and George Albert Fox. He married the love of his life Ann, on September 16, 1972 and in 1976 they welcomed their daughter Patricia.
John was one of the original 911 dispatchers for New Castle County, retiring after 32 years of service. After retirement he went on to work in the maintenance department at DRBA. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve. Extremely active in his community, John joined Mill Creek Fire Company in April 1963, he held many elected and leadership positions including, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Deputy Chief Emeritus, President, and Director. John volunteered 59 years of active service to Mill Creek Fire Company. He began the Explorer’s Post to guide all the new and young firefighters that joined.
John was an honorary member of Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Co. where he could always be found in the kitchen at Station 8 for any of the company meetings, banquet and Chief’s social.
He served as President of the New Castle County Fire Police Association, President of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Association, President of New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association, and President Emeritus of Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. John was recognized for his dedicated service over the years and awarded Firefighter of the year 2013, and 2017, the Sonny Wilkins Award, and the Helen Rush Humanitarian Award.
In his spare time, he could be found tinkering around the house. He enjoyed being outside fishing, hunting, mowing, planting the garden and golfing. His favorite holiday was Christmas, he loved decorating and playing Frosty or Rudolf for the Christmas parties and Santa Runs. John was famous for his bricks. If you were lucky enough to receive a brick, know that it was made with love.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by several brothers; many close friends; and his first grand puppy, Max. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Ann; his loving daughter, Patricia; 2 grand puppies, Cooper and Luna; and a host of family and friends.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Beth and Ralph, with Compassionate Care Hospice, for the exceptional care given to John during his illness. John truly enjoyed your visits and your conversations.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 12 noon on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Company, Station 8, 410 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711, where a service will begin at 12 noon. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38102 or by clicking here.
Warren Jones
Ann and Patricia, My sincere condolences. John was one of a kind which we will never see again. I have the brick he gave me in my office at home. I’ll always remember him.
Andrew R. Rokita Jr.
I wanted to send my condolences. John was a great man and a true Delaware institution. Public service was his calling and many in our state benefited. He always had great advice and was funny like you wouldn’t believe.
Always on duty! Rest easy Chief, we’ve got the watch.
Steve Miller
Our deepest condolences to John Fox,Family and Friends.
John Lodge, Lewes DE
To Foxy’s family:
I remember John from my years with NCCPD. A true professional and a man who was dedicated to his job. His dedication and devotion to EMS, NCCPD and Fireboard will never be forgotten. Sending my condolences to John’s family. Rest in peace Foxy.
Rossiter John
Condolences to the family. John you will not be forgotten by the brotherhood of the fireservice. You are a legend. John Rossiter. R.I.P
Bob Romig
John P. Fox was a great man. Always enjoyed being at meeting with him and see if he had anything to put on me. He was always joking with guys that he liked.
Very well-respected gentleman and very kind heart. Always enjoyed his antics when he wanted to try to get under someone’s skin. We all knew he had a kind heart. Anne & John raised a fine daughter, Patti, who has followed her dad’s footsteps.
He is up at the big station above sitting on the bench with Mike Rush, Lister, Lou Amibili and a few others that were great people in NCC. Rest in peace, John. See ya at the big station some day in the future.
Roy and Dorothy Fox
My deepest condolences to my family, Ann, Patricia, my bothers and sisters. John will be missed
Kenneth Ryder
Condolences to Patricia & Family. So sorry for your loss….may the many fond memories you have help to get you through these difficult times.
Randy Roberts, Holloway Terrace Fire Co
Ann and Patty, you know how I feel about John. He will be remembered as a legend. I am blessed to have known him, even more blessed to have been called a friend and I will always cherish my brick. He was like a brother. Sending prayers of strength during this difficult time. He was a truly great man.
James Barber
He was a role model to me when I joined Mill Creek Fire Company in 1994. My condolences go out to his Family, Friends, and to Mill Creek Fire Company.
I am so sorry that I will not be able to come to his service on Monday May 16, 2022, because I now live in Kentmere, in Wilmington, Delaware.
R.I.P. John P. “Foxy” Fox
James Barber
John was a role model to me when I joined Mill Creek Fire Company in 1994.
My Condolences go out to his Family, Friends and to the Mill Creek Fire Company.
R.I.P. John P. “Foxy” Fox
Jim Barber
Marva Jean
I have a 5×7 of you in your service uniform you gave me when I was I believe 12, its still in the same frame. Every time we got together for some reason or another it was always fun ..when I look at that picture that’s my Uncle Johnny I will always remember. Love you always
Robert LaFrance Davis
HE was my friend. Sorry for your loss. The world and Fire Service has lost a great man who will truly be missed!!!!!!!
Robert L. Davis…Belvedere Volunteer Fire Company
Leola Albright
Foxy was always a pleasure to be around and have fun with in the kitchen when working a function. His laughter made you smile even when you were having a bad day. He will be greatly missed.