Media, Pennsylvania
Age 68
John Evan Pickett passed away at the age of 68 on Friday, May 10, 2013.
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).
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.
Patti Mengers
May 21, 2013 | Delco Daily Times, PA
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.
Richard Stahl
May 17, 2013 | Hailey,, ID
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
Jacquelynn Puriefoy-Brinkley
May 16, 2013 | Yeadon, PA
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.
Tom Webb
May 15, 2013 | Seekonk, MA
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!
Xiaomin Cai
May 14, 2013 | Mullica Hill, NJ
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.
Michael Trio
May 13, 2013 | Newtown Square, PA
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.
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.
James Cowhey
May 13, 2013 | Lancaster, PA
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.
Jeane McNamara
May 13, 2013 | Malvern, PA