John Timothy Lehne, loved helping others
John Timothy Lehne, 39, of Milton and sometimes Chincoteague, Va., passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center, from a rare and aggressive cancer. He was born March 2, 1984, in Milford, son of Timothy and Jessica (Wright) Lehne. He went on to graduate from Cape Henlopen High School in 2002 and married the love of his life, Emily (Martin) Lehne, July 7, 2007. John was an amazing, brave, and fun-loving dad to his three children, Holden, Kaylee and Robert.
John was an honest, kind, and outgoing man who could always provide a smile, and was always willing to help others. He had a special affinity for assisting turtles, motorists, and cyclists stranded on the roads. John's warm-hearted nature extended to his family as well.
John was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Wright. He is survived by his loving wife, Emily Lehne; and their adoring children, Holden, Kaylee and Robert. John leaves behind his parents; grandmother, Janice Wright (John Houston); sister, Amber Deptula (Mark, Cole and Cassidy); sister-in-law, Suzannah Frederick (Jack, Lina, Will, Meredith and James); brother-in-law, Ed Martin (Melissa); mother-in-law, Cynthia Martin; as well as a large extended family.
In his professional life, John had a successful career. He worked at Pats Aircraft, Dassault Falcon, Sussex Family YMCA, and the Milton CHEER Center. As an entrepreneur, John opened several businesses, including Buy It Again Resale, Record Picks, Vintage Vinyl, 302 Fitness, and 302 Bicycles, and was a partner of Chincoteague Bike Shop.
John had a passion for athleticism and helping others, which carried over into both his personal and professional career. He completed numerous 5K races, BMX races, road races, marathons, triathlons, ultramarathons, and half and full Iron Man races. His dedication to fitness and endurance was truly inspiring. As a personal trainer, he strived to help others become the best version of themselves, and was one of the first cancer exercise specialists in Delaware. As the owner of 302 Bicycles, he donated to numerous local organizations and those less fortunate than him, helping repair and provide wheels for those in need. As an active community member, he organized and ran multiple food drives for Milton Community Food Pantry, collaborated with the Broadkiln VFW Post 6984, was a mason and member of Endeavor Lodge No. 17, gave generously to the running, cycling and disc golf communities, and volunteered with Team Surf Gimp, American Discovery Trail and Life Rolls On.
Graveside services for John will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 15, at Epworth Cemetery, 187 Henlopen Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Following John’s wishes that his children would be taken care of to pursue their passions and education, a memorial fund has been set up in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the John Lehne Memorial Fund via Cash App, $lehnememorialfund; or mailed to WSFS Bank, 34383 Carpenters Way, Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
