John L. Levering
5/16/65 – 12/27/18

John Leonard Levering, age 53, of Newark, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2018.

How do you sum up everything about John in an obituary? There’s many chapters that precede me. To know him was to laugh like hell.

John was in the printing business for many years working at Photo Color, Modern Press, Gamut Color and McClafferty Printing. After leaving that industry, he pursued a career as a baker. Well, if you knew him, you knew his ever-love of sweets. He advanced to Bakery Manager and served in that function at University Plaza Acme as well as Acme on DuPont Street until he suffered a back injury and could no longer work. He enjoyed our golf cart down the shore, and videotaped many excursions to the bay with his trusted sidekick, Capone. He tried fishing and enjoyed it as much as John’s back could tolerate. He loved watching sports. Eagles’ football was his fave, along with all the traditions that ensued from going to watch the game, followed closely by the Phillies. He always announced how many days until catchers and pitchers report and was very antsy pants until the games began. Sports was a big part of his life.

John suffered a heart attack on 12/23 right before the Eagles game. His last words to me were “Go Birds” which speaks grandly to his love of the team and sport. While John was in for his heart cath, I yelled at Nick Foles to win that one for John. Heck of an ending but they won. Last week’s game was a “W” as John always referred to wins. He got to see a Super Bowl win which we are all eternally grateful for. There’s an angel on that field now so we are looking for the miracle again called “John”.

He was everyone’s best friend, everyone’s confidante, everyone’s brother. I had the luck of my life being introduced to this sappy romantic with strength that he proved time and time again. He was my best friend. Think about it, in your lifetime, did you ever think that he was your best friend?

He was a great father to his only baby girl, Emma. He passed on his never-dying sense of humor and it will live on through her. He also passed on his extreme sarcasm which I was never a particular fan of but I think it will give me comfort to feel him near now.

John loved music. He is coming through to me in song now. Put on 102.9 and you will hear him loud and clear.

He has joined the friends and family that passed before him. I know because he died with a look of awe on his face. He passed very peacefully.

John gave selflessly of himself, finally in the way of donation of his organs. He kept fighting for us so much so that vital organs were not obtainable, but he did donate his corneas from his beautiful blue eyes and his skin will be used for grafts. I think he would have been pleased to have helped because he would help anyone. If you aren’t a donor, please consider it. It was one last way for John to give of himself. He lives through us and the recipients he provided for.

We would like to thank everyone in the Cardiac ICU who were phenomenal in treating John and making him feel comfortable. They were great at explaining everything to me and Emma. Top-notch. I honestly felt that they worked just for us, like there were no other patients on the floor. Truly phenomenal. We would also like to thank the Gift of Life who were very comforting when making decisions that were unbearable to make. Thanks to the countless friends who came to visit, share a story, hold hands, be there. If I were to mention everyone individually by name, it would be far too long but know you will not be forgotten in our prayers. They did an Honor Walk for John as we went to the O.R. It was very respectful and John would have been so touched. We believe it was the first one for Christiana Hospital but I could be mistaken.

Our family of 4 has now become 3. The dog is completely beside himself but very protective of Emma and I. Please hug your loved ones often because you honestly don’t know when they will take their last breath. It was truly an honor to be there for John’s last breath; I always referred to John as my breath. Things will be different but we know he will be waiting for us with lab Maggie by his side. He has left us but will never be forgotten. Always and Forever!

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Diana C. Levering; his daughter, Emma Gale Levering; his parents, Eleanor and Horace “Jake” Levering; his brother, Kenneth H. Levering; his sister, Linda Briggs; his godmother, Sallie Leemidash and other extended family and friends.

In support of John’s not liking to wear a suit but rather his love of sports, we ask that attendees wear their favorite sports attire…any team will do...baseball hats in particular…after all it was his trademark.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 9 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 East Basin Rd, New Castle, DE 19720 where visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory can be made to Gift of Life, 401 N. 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123.