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John McCool Obituary
Age 81, of Rehoboth Beach passed away on June 14th surrounded by his family. John was born and educated in Wilmington. He served his country in the United States Army and retired as Chief of Police for the city of Wilmington and Vice President of Citibank Delaware. He also served as the Director of Public Safety for New Castle County, Director of Special Investigations Unit for the Attorney General's Office and Chief Administrative Officer for New Castle County. He and his wife retired to Rehoboth Beach 14 years ago.
He is survived his wife of 57 years, Claudette E. McCool (Prevot); his children, Mark (Barbara), Gary (Karen), Carol (Mark) and Janet McCool; his grandchildren, Samantha, John and Garrett McCool and Thomas Feher; his sister, Janet Davidson (Dick). He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Chief.
A viewing will be held at the McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington from 9:30 to 11:00 am on June 19th followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in John's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences visit:
www.mccreryandharra.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McCool
Sue Ann Leighty
June 11, 2025
Sending love and great memories to John's family. John and Claudette were the nicest people and so kind to me. I always considered John to be my mentor.
Sue Ann Leighty
June 11, 2021
John was my friend, mentor, boss. There are so many times in my life that I look back and think about how he encouraged me to do more and even to say that you can do anything that you put your mind to. I Hope that I have paid that kindness forward in my life with people who I influence in my role at Habitat for Humanity, the community and especially my family. If we could all be a little like John, strong, trustworthy, kind and someone with impeccable character. He is and will be one of the strongest forces in my life. Love to Claudette and family.
Jimmy Riggs
June 19, 2015
Great man,exceptional Police Officer and Chief. To his Family and the extended Family I am sorry for your loss and ours.
June 19, 2015
McCool family,
The chief was an exceptional person to say the least. He would always listen and talk to you, not at you. He was top shelf. He will be missed by all who knew him and especially those of us who worked for him.
earl heston ( Sarasota Fl.)
Michael DiEleuterio
June 19, 2015
To the McCool Family, with deepest sympathy. Chief McCool was such a fine man and a Cop's Cop. May he rest in peace.
June 18, 2015
Dear Claudette, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful addition to the Citibank Management Team. John successfully managed the security and safety expansion of our business across the U.S. He was a truly honorable man and will be missed by all.
Warmest regards,
Cheryl J. Hollingsworth
former President and
CEO Citibank Delaware
Amy (Laupheimer) McCartan
June 18, 2015
Carol & Janet,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Ray Hancock
June 18, 2015
I came to know him well through his work at the Office of the Attorney General and quickly learned of his uncompromising integrity as well as his work ethic. He will be greatly missed.
Ed Hill
June 17, 2015
An outstanding police officer and a fine gentleman who will be missed by many. God Bless.
Mike Riley - Ret. NCCPD
June 17, 2015
John was a great man to work with. He taught me a lot about police work while he was Chief and then when he came to work in our NC County Police Dept. Very fair and honest...a real "Cop's Cop".
Harry and Millie Manelski
June 17, 2015
Claudette and family, Wonder memories of the four of us!
John, was a great guy! Good character, hard to find
today!
Jim DeCarlo
June 17, 2015
Chief ` Would have followed to hell and back. Had a great respect for you. My service under you was too short, unfortunately. R.I.P Chief
June 17, 2015
"The Chief". You will always be my hero, along with Nick, you were second to none. Chico
Chico Rodriguez
June 17, 2015
"The"Chief, greatest cop ever, has always been my hero, along with Nick. RIP guys.
June 17, 2015
Prayers to the McCool family. My father, Paul DiEleuterio, always held the chief in high regards.
Paula DiEleuterio
Pamela Payne
June 17, 2015
Like a second dad to me..lots of wonderful memories and he made sure I always had enough on my plate. Heart is sad. Prayers and hugs.
June 17, 2015
The passing of Jack diminishes living members of the PS duPont Class of 1952 once again. May he Rest in Peace.
Wendy & Mike Martin
June 17, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Alms Friedman
June 17, 2015
Claudette our hearts are with you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of John passing. Much love. Stan and Alma Friedman
June 17, 2015
So very sad today, John was my boss, friend and lifelong mentor. I think of him often, his advice and how he and Claudette were there for me during milestones in my life and how proud I was to tell him about my children, grandchildren and my work with Habitat for Humanity. I will truly miss his friendship. God Bless the McCool family and HUGS to Claudette.
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McCrery & Harra Funeral Home and Crematory - Concord Pike3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
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