John J. Haney, Sr.

On September 20, 2026 life became a little less humorous with the passing of John J. Haney Sr., (Jay) 90 a lifelong resident of Wilmington, Delaware. The son of the late Alice R. (Burns) and John A. Haney. He received his education from Saint Paul’s, Salesianum, and James H Groves. Jay was a master mason, he took immense pride in his trade as a bricklayer. His precise hands and keen eye left an indelible mark throughout the state that will stand the test of time. He taught his craft to future bricklayers for many years during his time working at New Castle County Vocational Schools. He also worked for the City of Wilmington’s Department of Licenses and Inspections for more than thirty years before retiring. He later served several appointments as sergeant-at-arms for the Delaware State Senate. Jay belonged to the New Castle County Irish Culture Club and was a former member of Rehoboth Beach VFW Post 7447. He volunteered his time on Sundays for years driving the bus to transport the elderly to church services. Jay was a gifted athlete excelling in baseball as a left-hand pitcher. He was quite the jokester and known for his light hearted humor, kindness and generosity. He was a true friend to all. In retirement Jay enjoyed the simple things in life particularly any activity involving his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jay loved flavoring us all with his famous chili, vegetable soup and his secret crab sauce.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie B. Haney, his brothers Eugene and James Haney, sisters-in-law Patricia Murphy (Joe), Marie Haney, brothers-in-law Francis McCrea (Anna Mae) and Robert Szczechowski. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Frances (Monigle) Haney; his children and their spouses, John J. Haney Jr., Linda Spruance, Susan and James Druss, Patricia “Troney” Haney and Michael Donovan, Mark Haney and Debbie Sell and Kathleen and Dr. James Remerscheid. His stepchildren, Michael and Laura Maguire, Bridget and Ron Dimaano, Tim Maguire, Megan Maguire, Dr. Katie and Justin Nguyen; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with one more on the way; his sister, Mary Alice Martelli (Luke), sister-in-law Teresa Szczechowski, brother-in-law Dan Monigle (Linda); his dearest friend Fran Stawicki and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 3pm-5pm at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road Wilmington, DE 19808. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 5th at 10:30 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Road Wilmington, DE. 19803. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation DE Valley Chapter, 3803 West Chester Pike, Suite 217, Newtown Square, PA.19073 (cff.org) or to the charity of your choice.