John James Sklarz, Sr.

John James Sklarz, Sr., age 74, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 7, 1950, he was a son of the late Philip and Maryanne (Kelly) Sklarz. John was a graduate of Washington Township High School in Sewell, NJ, class of 1969. Throughout high school, he embarked on a successful journey in the produce business. He worked as a produce salesman from 1964 – 1988 at his family’s business, Sklarz Produce Co., in Philadelphia, PA. John then became an owner of his own produce company, also in Philadelphia, PA, which he named Phillies Tomato & Produce Corp. He was proudly owner and salesman at Phillies Tomato & Produce Corp. from 1993 until 2007. Outside of his successful career, John had many hobbies. He loved reading, especially American History novels. He enjoyed being outdoors, either boating or fishing. Above anything else, John truly embodied the meaning of what it is to be a husband and father. His children’s passions became his own; he became an expert in horses to bond with his daughter and a music lover to connect with his son. John attended every music lesson, concert, practice, meeting, horse show, whatever the occasion, he wouldn’t have missed it. His wife and children were his entire world and he lived every day showing them with unconditional love. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Timothy, Thomas, Michael and Lawrence. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Kristen (Duus) Sklarz; children, Nicole (Sklarz) Filasky (John) and John James Sklarz, Jr. (Annette DeLeon); grandchildren, Annika Finn Sklarz, Lana Sklarz and Lorenzo Javier; brother, Robert Law; along with several nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends and relatives. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 319 East Main Street, Middletown, DE where a Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Old Bohemia Cemetery, 455 Church Road, Warwick, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.

John James Sklarz, Sr.

July 7, 1950 - February 5, 2025