John B. Metz, age 58, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully at home at the hour of the Divine Mercy, on October 27, 2012, surrounded by his family.

John was born on March 1, 1954 to Claude and Marshalene Metz in Dunbar, WV. He attended Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC, and he served in the United States Navy on the USS Independence from 1972 to 1978. He then moved to New Castle, DE, where he met his wife, Jackie Julius Metz, while working at Atlantic Aviation. He returned to school at Widener University, graduating with master's degrees in computer engineering and business administration. He recently retired from Boeing in Ridley Park, PA, after 28 years of employment there as an engineer.

John was an active parishioner at St. Peter the Apostle Church, where he was former president of Finance Council and acting president of the parish's chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also served as president of Country Woods Civic Association until 2011, and as Boeing's first regional representative for FIRST Robotics.

John had a passion for motor sports, which led him to build a Lotus Super Seven kit car with his sons in his home garage. He was ceaselessly dedicated to his children, coaching sports games, attending every recital and play, mentoring for a robotics team and the Legionaries of Christ boys' club, and chaperoning many school trips and other functions. John also loved his Catholic faith. This love deepened during his illness and served as inspiration to his loved ones and all who came to visit him.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Marshalene Douglas Metz. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jackie Julius Metz; his children, Jessica Renee, Paul Edward, and Michael Philip; his father, Claude Edward, and stepmother, Gail; his sister, Margaret Cook; his stepbrother, Charles Andrews; his stepsisters, Linda Harris and Sandy Campbell; his sister-in-law, Valerie Calvarese; his mother-in-law, Mary Julius; and many other loving family.

The Metz family thanks the oncology team at Christiana Care and the nurses at Delaware Hospice for their care and compassion, and their family, friends, and neighbors for all of their support.

Recitation of the rosary and Divine Mercy Novena will be held on Fri., Nov. 2, at 10:30 am at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 5th & Harmony Sts., New Castle, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Family and friends may call at Krienen Funeral Home, 34 West 6th St., New Castle, on Thurs., Nov. 1, from 6:00-8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Peter the Apostle Chapter, 5th & Harmony Sts., New Castle, DE 19720.