John W. Walker

Obituary of John W. Walker

John William Walker, 81, passed away on February 4, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 11, 1945, to Howard and Nina (O'Keefe) Walker, John grew up in Sharon Hill, PA in a lively household alongside his three brothers and sister.

A 1963 graduate of Bonner High School, John spent four years at St. Charles Seminary before answering a different calling - one that ultimately led him to the classroom. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, his life changed in more ways than one that same year when he was set up on a blind date with Kathy Bonner by mutual lifelong friends. It was a match that stuck. John and Kathy married on August 2, 1969, and began their married life with an overseas assignment in Thailand.

After returning home, John attended West Chester University and began what would become a 32-year career in education with the Upper Darby School District. An elementary school teacher all of his career, he especially loved teaching science and cared deeply for his students. He often arrived at school before anyone else, sometimes even before the janitor. He also served as a teachers' union representative and negotiating team member, advocating for his colleagues and the profession.

John's interests were wide-ranging. He loved nature, science, puzzles and a good book. He was an avid fisherman both fresh and salt water, played guitar, ran for exercise, shot hoops at courts in Delco, and rode his bike to school. He baked holiday cookies and pies from scratch, tended a vegetable garden in the backyard, built campfires, went canoeing and camping, and enjoyed summers with his family at his second home in Cape May. He loved travel - especially France, Ireland, Alaska, and Williamsburg, Virginia- and enjoyed music across genres, from John Prine to Simon & Garfunkel, Springsteen, The Dead and even classical music. He followed Philly sports faithfully, and appreciated good woodwork and a well-kept home. He had a dry wit and a great, unmistakable laugh.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathy; his two children, Robert (Dawn) Walker and Katie Walker; and his grandson, Brendan (Christa) Walker. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard (Gay) Walker, Suzie (John) Dzik, Butch (Vicky) Walker, and Kevin (Margie) Walker, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, PA. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation - https://www.udfoundation.org/donate or the family encourages you to honor John by spending time outdoors - go fishing with someone you love.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.