John T. Prehm, veteran, AT&T retiree

John “Jack” T. Prehm, 81, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Jack is survived by his loving partner of 38 years, Suzanne Worrall.

Jack was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. 21, 1943, to Theresa Prehm (nee McDevitt). He was the third of four children. Jack graduated from St. Jerome Grammar School and St. Agnes High School. He attended St. Francis College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1961.

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-68. During that time, he was stationed in Louisiana, Texas, France, and Germany. While in Germany, he lived with a local family, where he developed a great love for the country, the food, and the people. He also proudly learned to speak German.

Jack began his professional career in 1969, as an engineer for AT&T in New York City, and later, in Basking Ridge, N.J. During his tenure with AT&T, he worked on international satellites and transcontinental communications cables, which required extensive international travel. He retired in 1998 after 29 years.

Jack met Suzanne in 1977. They began dating in 1982 and were engaged in 1986. They traveled together and eventually retired and moved to Delaware. They also have a home in Pickens, S.C., near his sister, Carol, and her family. Jack treasured his time spent there. Jack, Suzanne and his siblings would often take vacations together.

Aside from his love of family, Jack had multiple hobbies and interests. He was an avid golfer and loved his time on the course.  He was a card shark and thoroughly enjoyed playing poker in the casino.

Jack also loved to sing. He was a proud member of Village Light Opera Group as a set builder, and later, took voice lessons and became a singer on stage. He loved to sing Gilbert & Sullivan songs and was known never to pass up a microphone for karaoke at parties.  

After moving to Delaware, he became very involved in local politics. He seldom missed a town council meeting, where he was known for his outspoken opinions. His leadership and persistence spearheaded many changes benefitting the community.

Jack is survived by his beloved siblings, his sister, Marie Rothermel; and brother, Joseph Prehm and his wife Rosemary Prehm. His much-loved sister, Carol House, predeceased him, as well as his treasured brothers-in-law, Delas (Crip) House and Robert (Bob) Rothermel. Jack was a proud, “cool” uncle to 10 nieces and nephews, 21 great-nieces and -nephews, 15 great-great-nieces and -nephews, many loving cousins, and three goddaughters.

A burial service with the honor guard will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Food Bank of Delaware, Hurricane Helene Relief Fund, 102 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963, fbd.org; or Disabled American Veterans, 1301 I St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005, dav.org.

Jack was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Visit Jack’s Life Memorial webpage at watsonfh.com.