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John Pickett Obituary
Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, John spent his childhood in Fairfield, Connecticut, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Swarthmore College in 1966.
He attained his Master of City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977.
John began at the Delaware County Planning Department that year and became its Director in 1985.
He was also appointed Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development in 1996.
His hobbies included American roots music, road tripping to national parks, and reading mystery novels.
Family, coworkers, and friends will dearly miss his kind spirit and calm manner.
Survivors: John is survived by his three children, Amy Pickett of Media, Evan Pickett of Menlo Park, California, and John Pickett of Portland, Oregon.
He is also survived by his former spouse, Gail Pickett, and his sister, Margaret Roeske.
He is predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Pickett.
Visitation/Memorial Service: Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at the Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home at 15 E. Fourth St. in Media. A memorial service will follow from 8-9 p.m.
At John's request, please make memorial gifts to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), the American Lung Association (www.lung.org), or the ASPCA (www.aspca.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Pickett
Patti Mengers
May 21, 2013
As planning director, John was a visionary voice for Delaware County who could impart insight into just about any scenario I handed him in my more than three decades as a Daily Times reporter. He was as patient as he was knowledgeable, a rare resource and, clearly, a good man.
Richard Stahl
May 17, 2013
I had the privilege of working with John on the executive committee of the County Planning Directors of Pennsylvania for several years. I have great respect for John's professionalism and contribution to the field of city planning in Pennsylvania. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Jacquelynn Puriefoy-Brinkley
May 16, 2013
I will deeply miss John's presence in our world. He was one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever known.
The Delaware County Planning Department can never replace John Pickett. He was a man of integrity and commitment. I feel very, very fortunate to have known him.
Jacquelynn Puriefoy-Brinkley
Tom Webb
May 15, 2013
Wonderful set of tributes to John as a leader, planner, boss, and mentor in his working life. He and I ran together on the cross country team at Swarthmore and later he served as president of our class and organized our 25th reunion, a task for which I and my classmates are grateful. What a multi-talented person. We will miss him.
Xiaomin Cai
May 14, 2013
John will be a light always, shining and living among us. My heartfelt sympathies to all of John's family. John's spirits will always inspire me to be a better public servant, as he exemplified himself. I will miss you, John!
Michael Trio
May 13, 2013
I had only recently learned of John's Illness and regret I did not have the opportunity to visit with him. Let's pray his calm demeanor, kindness and level headed peronality lives on in his legacy.
May 13, 2013
I am so saddened by the loss of John. I have so much respect and admiration for John. I was really fortunate to have John as my boss during my years with Delaware County. I'm sure we'll all miss him and strive to be better as public servants.
James Cowhey
May 13, 2013
Please accept my condolences. I know John through serving with him on the executive committee of the PA Chapter of the APA and through the state planning directors association. He was a gentleman of quiet consideration and thoughtfulness. He contributed to his community and his profession.
Jeane McNamara
May 13, 2013
John was a gentle spirit and a great leader by example. It was an honor to have worked for him and rarely was the time that he didn't have that bright smile on his face. He left his mark through a great legacy of civic engagement and his delicate way of navigating rough straits. Many of us owe a lot to the influence of John Pickett as we moved from interns to professionals to managers ourselves. He will be sorely missed by many.
Justin Dula
May 13, 2013
John was an amazing boss and mentor. His passion toward his field help shape a generation of planners in Pennsylvania and he will be missed, but not forgotten.
Jean Del Muto
May 13, 2013
John was a very kind and caring person. We have lost a true gentleman and he will be missed by all of us but our beautiful memories of him will live on and sustain us.
Lori Dabbondanza
May 13, 2013
Although I haven't known John that long he has made a lasting impression on me. What a great man and an incredibly sad loss. My prayers and sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Sara Pandl
May 13, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with John at the APA Los Angeles concert. I am so sorry to learn of his loss.
May 13, 2013
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the entire family for their loss of John. May his memory shine brightly in your hearts.
Doris Fenske
(friend of John's sister Peggy)
Lori Prichard
May 12, 2013
Thinking of all of you during these sad times.
harold sinclair
May 12, 2013
Unable to attend his funeral, but my thoughts, prayers and good wishes are offered to his family. John was a gentleman and professional, he will be missed
Kristen Watts
May 12, 2013
From here on out, may the days only be filled with love and happy memories of your father!
Steve Travers
May 12, 2013
Real class guy sorry for your loss.
Ed O'Lone
May 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with John and his family at this time. John was a gentlemen and a wonderful person. He will be deeply missed at the County of Delaware. He certainly made the County a better place to live.
Rena Barnett
May 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. John was a wonderful man and a great advocate for Open Space. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Yazvac
May 12, 2013
Dear Amy, Evan and Doug, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad is a special man who will be missed by many. You are in my prayers.
Lori Schneider
May 12, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Doris Cusano
May 12, 2013
Dear Amy, Evan, & Doug my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad was a great boss and a fantastic friend and I will miss him so much!
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Rigby Harting and Hagan Funeral Home - Media15 E 4th Street, Media, PA 19063
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