John Joseph Pallace, retired educator, volunteer
John Joseph "Jack" Pallace, 80, of Hockessin, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at ChristianaCare Hospice in Newark, after a long battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 20, 1944, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late James and Estelle (Javorsky) Pallace.
Jack was a longtime resident of Lewes, recently moving to Hockessin in December. He was a graduate of Loyola High School in Towson, Md., Class of 1962, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in history from Mount St. Mary's College in 1966. Jack furthered his education with a master’s degree in history from University of Delaware in 1968 and a master’s degree in psychology from Washington College in 1979.
Jack married Eileen Lois Pallace Jan. 9, 1968. Together, they shared a deep love for travel, the beach, and family. Jack’s lifelong career as an educator began at Dover High School, teaching social studies, and he retired in 2005 from Woodbridge High School after a fulfilling teaching career. In his retirement, Jack volunteered many hours assisting students at the Lewes Presbyterian Church after-school program. He also served as a docent at University of Delaware in Lewes and volunteered at Beebe Medical Center.
Jack had a passion for the beach, spending several summers in Ocean City, Md., working at Lombardi's Pizza on the boardwalk—stories of which he fondly shared throughout his life. Jack, Eileen, and their daughter Christine enjoyed vacations in Bethany Beach and day trips to the Delaware seashore. They later settled in Lewes after Jack’s retirement, where Jack became actively involved in the community. He was a member of a nonfiction book club and a men’s breakfast group, and cherished spending time with friends.
Above all, Jack was a doting grandfather to Ben and Anna. He loved attending their sporting events, school plays, and musical performances, and the time spent with them in Lewes was always filled with joy. It didn’t take much convincing for Ben and Anna to get Jack to visit King's Ice Cream—a favorite pastime. Jack adored his grandchildren, and they loved him just as much.
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Schiltz (Todd); grandchildren, Benjamin and Anna; his brother, Robert Pallace; his sister-in-law, Patricia Wallace; brother-in-law, Daniel Peck; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eileen Pallace; his brother, James Pallace; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pallace and Alice Pallace.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Amy Robinson, the team of caregivers at Fox Chase Cancer Center, as well as the staff of ChristianaCare Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Jack's illness.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory are suggested to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 759, Georgetown, DE 19947, sussexcountyhabitat.org/donate.
Visit Jack’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
