John T. Gerstenberg, 88 years old of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
John was the son of the late Thomas J. Gerstenberg and Anne C. Butts Gerstenberg Schafferman (stepfather Bill Schafferman). He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School until the beginning of eighth grade, when his family moved to Freehold, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grade School and later from Trenton Catholic Boys High School in Trenton, NJ.
John met the love of his life Maribeth Desmond at a McCormicks Road stand where Maribeth worked for her family in Freehold, New Jersey and they were married in 1960 at St Mary’s Church in South Amboy, New Jersey. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, John joined the DuPont Company and returned to Wilmington. He earned a Business Management Degree from Goldey-Beacom College through the G.I. Bill. Following various positions with Delaware employers, he found his long-term career at the United States Post Office, retiring after 26½ years of service.
After raising their four children, they loved to travel—especially to Ireland, which they visited twelve times—and enjoyed cruising and spending time at their condo in North Wildwood, NJ. One of his favorite hobbies was playing the slots. 2 weeks prior to his passing his children made sure he had one last “Field trip” to Delaware park where we are sure he spent our inheritance. He always said if he left a penny behind he must have miscalculated. After retirement, John devoted himself to genealogy and became the Gerstenberg/Butts family historian. He was a proud life time member of the Wilmington Elks Lodge #307 and enjoyed spending time with his friends (particularly Miller, Jamison and Johnny) at the Greater Wildwood Elks #1896 and Moose Lodge #585 in North Wildwood, NJ.
John was active in many organizations throughout his life. He served as a Director of the Delaware Retail Association, the Wilmington Trapshooting Association, and the Frenchtown Sportsmen’s Association. He was a past president of the Christ Our King PTA and President of the McDaniel Civic Association. He was also a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (with both great-grandfathers having served), The Delaware Veterans Post 1, and the Emerald Society of North Wildwood, NJ. A past member of the Delaware Knights of Magic. John was an amateur magician who once performed at the Civic Center in Asbury Park, NJ, as well as at various schools in Maryland and Delaware.
He is proceeded in death by his siblings: Thomas J. Gerstenberg, Carol Tierney, Marianne Gerstenberg, and his “brother” Robert “Norman” Laricy. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maribeth; his four children, Maeann, Jack, and his twin daughters Sharon Bryan (Wilson), and Sheila Albanese (Jimmy); four grandchildren, Thomas, Anna Scaramuzza (Bobby), Marikate, and Karl; and two great-granddaughters, Reese and Gia. Also survived by former daughter-in-law Debra Swinger, along with his sister Loretta Abrahamsson (Jack) and Nancy Lykes and sister-in-law Cynthia Gerstenberg.
John had a quick wit and a love for corny jokes. He was truly a funny man and his sense of humor will be missed. The family hopes that all who knew him will take a moment to laugh in his honor.
The family would like to thank the following: Th staff of Christiana Wilmington hospital, Aveanna Home Health, Hillside rehab, Vitas Hospice, And our angel Verica Fullerton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or your favorite Charity.
A viewing will be held on Monday, May 11 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place privately at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
