John Henry Tebbutt age 81, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
John grew up in Forest Brook Glen near Newport; he attended H.J. Krebs School before graduating from H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in 1964.
He dedicated his life to the automotive industry. He began his career with General Motors and Colonial Chevrolet before joining Northeast Body Shop in 1988. A hardworking and devoted employee, John remained with the company for nearly four decades and was still actively employed at the time of his passing.
John proudly served his country as a member of the National Guard for six years and generously gave back to others as an AA mentor. He was an active member of the Delaware Street Rods and attended the York PA car show every year where he won an award for driving his 1936 Ford for 50 years. He enjoyed many years bowling in both the GM Bowling League and the Pleasant Hills Bowling League. An accomplished bowler, he earned numerous awards throughout the years, including the remarkable achievement of bowling several perfect 300 games.
A man of many interests, John loved building cars, woodworking, creating crafts, tending to his beautiful flower gardens, and listening to bluegrass and southern country gospel music. He treasured spending time with his Dunkin’ Donuts buddies, but above all, he cherished the time he shared with his family and loved ones.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Marion Tebbutt, and was the last surviving of his siblings, Vic (Pat); Martha (Harvey); Paul and Dave.
He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 60 years, Fran (Moffett) Tebbutt; his brother-in-law, Harry Moffett (Linda); his sisters-in-law, Karlyn Moffett, Mary Tebbutt, and Connie Tebbutt; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808, followed by a service in celebration of John’s life at 12 PM. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in John’s memory to Richardson Park Methodist Church, 11 N. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19804 or Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 Poplar Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
To send an online condolence, visit www.mccreryandharra.com
