John Wesley Croney III, 78, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Wilmington Hospital. Born on October 22, 1946, in Wilmington, John dedicated his life to his family and to serving those around him.
A pillar of his community, John spent 22 years coaching youth lacrosse with the Wilmington Wings, continuing his service through this past spring. He shared not only his love for the game but also his deep values of discipline and sportsmanship. For over 40 years, he was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where he found joy in serving as a lay reader on Sunday mornings. A proud and passionate Delaware Football fan, John held season tickets for more than 45 years and never missed a chance to say, “Go Blue!”
John graduated from Dickinson High School and earned his degree from the University of Delaware in 1981. A Certified Public Accountant, he served the State of Delaware for 25 years. His roles included Chief Internal Auditor for the Department of Justice - Medicaid Fraud Unit, and later, Internal Auditor for the Brandywine School District. He retired in 2020 after a long and respected career.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Bonnie Lynne (McMaster) Croney; his sister Karen Muller and brother-in-law Mark Muller; his son John Wesley Croney IV, daughter-in-law Garland Cox Croney, and granddaughters Charlotte and Catherine, of Richmond, VA; and his son Joshua Lawrence Croney, daughter-in-law Jacqueline Beeson Croney, and granddaughter Nora, of West Chester, PA.
John was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Croney Jr., and his mother, Rose McLaughlin Croney.
A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on October 11, 2025, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in John’s memory to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
John will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his wisdom, compassion, enduring legacy—and his unforgettable Christmas cheesecakes.
For online condolences please visit: mccreryandharra.com
“Go Blue!”
