John W. Hetrick

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! Matthew 25:21

Obituary

John Hetrick, age 60, passed away peacefully with his wife and kids at his bedside, into the presence of his Lord Jesus after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 27, 1966, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to Samuel Sanders Hetrick and Virginia Bruder Hetrick. After graduating from Lawrence High School (New Jersey), John continued his education at the University of Delaware (UD), where he studied ornamental horticulture and agricultural business, laying the groundwork for his initial career as a landscape designer at Brandywine Nurseries.

During his time at UD, John met his future wife, Deb Lommen, beginning a love story that spans more than three decades. Married for 34 years, John was a devoted, wonderful husband who loved Deb dearly. Together, they built a life rooted firmly in love, faith, and family. Their children, Amanda and Matthew, were his everything - his source of immense pride, joy, and deepest devotion.

Everyone who met John recognized him as a truly gentle soul - humble, yet deeply strong. A faithful servant of God, he prioritized his faith, family and friends above all else. He made life-long friends throughout his journey. Answering a divine calling later in life, John transitioned into a second career as a Minister of Family Life of Concordia Lutheran Church after pursuing Certificate of Pastoral Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary at Eastern University.

John carried a genuine pastoral heart that was remarkably loving and caring; he had an innate ability to make people feel hopeful simply by being in his presence. His relational ministry was felt by many - whether walking alongside youth, comforting grieving widows, sitting with troubled families, preparing young couples for marriage or ministering to the men in transition at Atlanta Mission. John was always there to listen, pray, and offer steady support. The Concordia Preschool fondly knew “Deacon John” for his smile, kind words and knowing that the “B-I-B-L-E that’s the book for me.” John loved music and playing the guitar - from his garage band, “The Nobodies” to Christmas caroling, VBS and leading in worship.

Above all, John made and encouraged others to make an IMPACT on every life that is touched. He taught those around him to look continuously to God’s Word for answers and to find peace and joy. The seeds of faith, kindness, and steadfast devotion he planted will continue to bloom for generations to come.

John was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Sanders Hetrick.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Hetrick; his mother, Virginia Hetrick; his children, Amanda and Matthew, who will forever carry forward the love, lessons, and values he instilled in them; his brother, Mike Hetrick and wife Nancy; his sister, Cathy Mikulas and husband Dave; as well as numerous beloved nephews, nieces, extended family members, godchildren, and dear friends.

A service celebrating John's life and faith will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 11:00 am (with visitation starting at 9:30 am) at Concordia Lutheran Church in Wilmington, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers

John's life was rooted in faith, compassion, and a heart for serving others. In his memory, we invite you to consider making a donation to Lutheran Community Services. Your generosity will help continue the mission of caring for those in need and serve as a meaningful tribute to John's legacy of love, kindness, and service.

Atlanta Mission was a cause especially near and dear to John's heart in Atlanta. They transform, through Christ, the lives of those facing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. In honor of his life and the compassion he showed to others, we invite you to consider making a donation to Atlanta Mission in his memory. Supporting this organization is a meaningful way to carry forward his legacy of faith, kindness, and service to others.
Hope Lives Here. 

Memory wall

October 10, 2026

John was loved by all. He was one in a million. His praise music uplifted and comforted the hearts of everyone as we sang along. John playing his Guitar. You may be gone but not forgotten. Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not ready. Too well loved to ever be forgotten. We celebrate and give thanks for the opportunity of knowing you, your smile; your laughter and your comfortable way of doing things just right. Fly high, beautiful soul. One day we will meet again.

Carmen and Chan Lee Pow

October 10, 2026

John walked with me through my faith life. He mentored me into a leader in faith through IMPACT. He guided my wife and I through premarital counseling, teaching grace and forgiveness. Finally, he provided great friendship. I have never met anyone that lived up to their name so well. To quote John (1:27): "He is one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." Is there any better summary than that?

Andrew Kreicker

October 10, 2026

We will be forever blessed to have had John come into Shannon’s life as a middle schooler. He helped her come to have a relationship with Jesus be confirmed in her faith. As a family we enjoyed Easter Morning Sunrise Service and serving breakfast to the congregation. More importantly it was eye opening for Shannon to see how blessed she was when we started serving regularly at Emmanuel Dining Room. Such a gift for me her mom and Shannon.
For our Shannon was blessed with 2 NYG! These events showed her she wasn’t alone as a kid in her walk with Jesus!
We here in our house still eat the recipe we served at the dining room.
Love and Prayers to Deb, Amanda & Matthew!

Campbell Family especially Shannon

October 10, 2026

I don’t think I’ll ever find the right words to express how grateful I am to have known John and to have loved and been loved by him. From the very beginning, he made me feel like I belonged in this family.
I feel so blessed to have known the man who helped shape the man I get to marry. I see pieces of John in Matt every day, and I know that his love, wisdom, and faith will continue to live on through him and all of us.
Thank you John, for welcoming me, for caring about me, and for making me feel like family long before I officially became part of it. It will be a honor to be a Hetrick. We will miss and love you forever.

Randa Norton

October 10, 2026

Wonderful and sweet man of faith who loves his family, his friends, his church, and pretty much anyone he met. Above all John loved Jesus.

So blessed to have known him these past five years as part of the Passion City family and blessed to have walked with him on Thursday mornings. Will miss his winsome and kind heart, his solid biblical insights, and his kindness. Many in heaven will say they know Jesus or their walk with Jesus was made better thanks to John.

Tony Drake

October 10, 2026

John and Deb joined Concordia the same time that Ralph and I did. It was so easy to talk to him, and when he asked if I would like to join him in a praise band he called The ConChordians, I instantly said Yes! I loved how he allowed the Spirit to move him while he played and sang. He was an amazing friend, teacher, and a tender ear when needed. His youth group and their RAKE events showed our kids how to watch over their elders, and helped them to know that they were never alone. Rest now, John. You are forever in our hearts.

Rosemary Stormer

October 10, 2026

My Dad’s brother and my Mom’s best friend ❤️ You will forever be in our hearts Uncle John. You were my family’s safe space. With joy and laughter, and so many fun memories, you are the best Godfather a little girl could’ve ever had. Blessed to have known you in this lifetime. Look down on us from up above now 🙏🏼

Nat

October 10, 2026

There aren’t enough words to describe the way John made an IMPACT on my life. He was always there to listen, allowed me a chance to grow in my faith, and cheered me on during every new journey life had to offer. Heaven gained an incredible angel ❤️

Ashley Blackburn

October 10, 2026

Mr. Hetrick introduced me to a life of faith. He brought so much energy, enthusiasm, and joy to his role with the church youth from giving out candy for answering questions in Confirmation class to many sleepless nights chaperoning our lock-ins. He routinely went above and beyond, not only organizing fundraisers so that we could attend the NYG but making the trip even more personal by giving us letters from our loved ones. My favorite memories with Mr. Hetrick come from our Christmas caroling outtings where he suggested we make extra stops to visit homebound friends. In all he did, he showed profound care and love for everyone he knew and brought so much joy to all that he did. As he said many times, I'll continue to share the Good News of Great Joy

Anna McCarter

October 10, 2026

I was a preschool teacher at Concordia. We all called him Deacon John. He was gifted with sharing the gospel with preschoolers. Deacon John was not just there for the kids but teachers as well. When my mom was struggling with health issues he would pray with me. The last time I had heard from him is when he found out my son was going to Georgia tech he told me that he lived near by and if there was anything Luke needed he would be there. I will always remember that. His chapels, preaching the gospel and singing and playing his guitar and showing love to others. He was one of a kind and I am blessed to have known him.

Susan Sims

October 10, 2026

John was my roommate for 3 years at UD. I was always impressed by John’s optimism and joy throughout those years. We played 4 years of intramural B-Ball as the Hoopsters and couldn’t wait for each season to begin. He was our big guy. We later shortened that to “Guy”. Guy was a great friend and looking back wish I had stayed in touch. Prayers to his family and friends. I am sure the Lord is glad to have him!

Stephen Dunton

October 10, 2026

John (and Deb) entered our lives right after we became best friends with their daughter Amanda. John had this beautiful way to make you feel as if you knew him for years only after a few moments with him. He had such a warm heart and presence. The family was alongside ours as Kevin & I got engaged and married. We are so so grateful for all the time we had.

Kevin & Alex Woodeshick

October 10, 2026

I will forever grateful for the love and support he showed my family. McDonald’s meet ups for a Coke and a Smile with John will be forever in my heart!

Mariann Blackburn

Celebration of Life

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