John F Kirk

John F. Kirk, Jr. (Jack) June 15, 1931 - October 30, 2025

John F. Kirk, Jr. (Jack) passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025 at his home in Venice, Florida. Jack was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 15, 1931. Jack lived a long full life with a loving family, friends and a diverse career.

He was the devoted husband of Margaret (Peggy) F. Kirk, (Nickle). They started dating when he was sixteen and she was thirteen as they met when Jack served as her parent’s paperboy. On December 12th of this year, they would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Jack was the proud father to three children: John F. Kirk, III (Maryann) of Sarasota, FL and Bethany Beach, Delaware; David K. Kirk (Diane) of Delaware; and Cynthia Kirk Bendler (Mark, predeceased) of Delaware City, DE and Venice FL.

He was the loving grandfather of Megan Brittingham (Ben Walls), Heather Kirschner (Jay), Robert Sterling (Danielle), D. Keith Kirk (Lauren), Cpt. John F. Kirk, IV, (US Army JAG Corp) and Dr. Ethan H. Kirk. He was also the proud great- grandfather of Tyler Wood, Evan Brittingham, Madalynn Brittingham, Landon Sterling, Maci Sterling, Tripp Kirk, Rowan Kirk and Jack Walls and his faithful grand dogs Oliver and Harry. He is also survived by his brother Paul Tilton, Jr. and was predeceased by his parents John F. Kirk, Sr. and Mary Isabell Tilton, and sisters Margaret Kirk Bleyer and Joanne Nelson.

Jack was a graduate of Salesianum School, attended Goldey Beacom College and served in the US Army during the Korean War. His career in state and county government included membership in the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, County Council President, Director in the Department of Labor and Acting Secretary of Labor. After retirement he and Peggy moved to Venice, FL in 1993. In Venice he met countless friends and fellow golfers at Plantation Golf and Country Club where he was a member. Jack was also a member of Our Lady of Lourdes R. C. Church, Venice, FL and the American Legion Post number 13, Delaware.

In accordance with his wishes, Jack will be cremated and his remains will be buried in his hometown of Delaware City, DE. A Mass will take place at St. Paul’s R.C. Church in Delaware City at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.