John D. 'Jack' Steller Jr., 73

TOWNSEND - John D. "Jack" Steller Jr., of Townsend, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 22, 2008, at Christiana Care-Christiana Hospital, Newark, with his niece, Cathy Mannering, and cousin, Jim Burge, by his side. He was 73.

Born March 12, 1935, in Townsend, he was the son of the late Mary (Alfree) and John Delbert Steller Sr. of Taylor's Bridge.

Jack grew up in Taylor's Bridge and later moved to Newark, then to Wilmington, where he resided at the Cliff House Condominiums. Most recently, he lived at Newark Manor Nursing Home.

After high school, Jack served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Arkansas, where he was honorably discharged on July 31, 1963.

Immediately after his discharge from the Army, he attended barbering school.

Following his completion from barbering school, he started his career as a barber at F&N Shopping Center (Faulk and Naamans). where he worked for many years.

Jack left F&N to open his own barber shop, Club Avenue Barber Shop on Philadelphia Pike, which he owned and operated for 17 years, retiring in 1998.

Throughout his career, Jack made numerous friends, and many in the area often referred to him kindly as "Jack the Barber."

He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Townsend.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, William A. "Bill" Steller Sr., on March 5, 2008; and twin nephews, Carl Steller and Carlton Steller, who died as infants.

Jack will be dearly missed by his five nieces and nephews who survive him, Cathy Mannering of Townsend, David Steller and his wife Betty of Smyrna, Linda Wheeler and her husband Larry of Smyrna, William "Bill" Steller Jr. and his wife Debbie of Millington, Md., and Lori Sherwood and her husband Glen; and many extended nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and countless dear friends. He also leaves many wonderful memories to his great-nieces, Stacey Robinson and her husband Bob, and Abby Mannering and great-nephew Michael Mannering; and his great-great nephew, Grant Robinson and great-great-niece, Elyssia Robinson, who each made Uncle Jack laugh and brightened his day. Lastly, he will be missed dearly by his cousin, Jim Burge of Baltimore, who helped care for him in his declining illness.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Friendship United Methodist Church, 231 Paddock Road, Townsend, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to services.

Interment will follow at Old Drawyers Cemetery, Odessa, where Jack will be laid to rest with his parents and brother.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack's memory to Friendship United Methodist Church, c/o Pauline Shockley, 986 Taylors Bridge Road, Townsend, DE 19734.

Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown.