John A. Tetz

John A. Tetz, age 96 of Delaware and formerly of Elmira, New York, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, three months after the passing of his beloved wife Verna (Whitmore) Tetz, indeed from a broken heart.
He was born on May 12, 1929, in Elmira, New York, to the late Frank and Helene (Ring) Tetz. John graduated from Elmira Southside High School in 1947 and went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree and finally his Master's Degree in 1958 from Syracuse University.
He met the love of his life, Verna Whitmore, at their senior high school prom and was later married in Elmira on October 25, 1952. Together, they were partners in life's journey for almost 73 years, through thick and thin. His life centered on caring for and supporting the needs of his family. John and Verna traveled the world with many of their close friends. He enjoyed reading, taking pictures and documented all of their travels and family memories.
John and his family moved from Elmira to Utica, Connecticut, NJ and then settled in Delaware in 1975. He worked as a consultant first with Westinghouse and then with Coopers & Lybrand, as well as Price Waterhouse Coopers where he retired in 1994.
Always community-minded, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Elmira, N.Y., and Liberty Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed being active in the "Top of the Hill Gang". John was a member of the Delaware Kiwanis Club, 60 plus-year Mason with the Elmira Elks Lodge, and Delaware's Hiram Masonic Lodge. John was also the consummate volunteer and was a key participant of the Stratford Cemetery renovations through the Strafford Ecological Center.
Steadfast and true, he lived by the Scout Law and was a long-time leader of the Elmira Boy Scout Troop 6. John was the epitome of the Scout motto, "Be Prepared". Always direct and concerned, he sought to do good, and he did in every favored cause. He will be remembered for his willingness to lend a helping hand and his genuine concern for his family and others.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Donna (Edward) Kavo of Upper St. Clair, PA, his son, Dr. James Tetz of Yellow Springs, OH, and grandchildren: Kristin (Jade), Bradley (Natalie), Zachary (Michelle); great-grandchildren: Isabella, David, Charlotte, and Beckett.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Verna Tetz in 2025, son, David J. Tetz, D.O., in 1998, grandson, Jared Tetz, in 2019, brother Frank Tetz, step-father-in law, William Dawley, brother-in -law, C. Brainard Whitmore, and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Janes and Beatrice Smith.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 14th at 12 - Noon at the Snyder Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr. at W. William St., Delaware, Ohio 43015. Interment will take place at the Elmira Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Snyder Funeral Center in Delaware.
As John would say.."Don't take any wooden nickels!"
Memorial contributions can be made to Liberty Barn Church 7080 Olentangy River Rd Delaware, OH 43015 or Delaware County Library 84 E. Winter St. Delaware, OH 43015.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com