Jesse William Kay, 86
Jess Kay, age 86, of Wilmington, DE, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 27, 2015 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. In his own words:
“My obit for all to read (if they choose to do so!) I’ve never done this before because I’ve never died before - so bear with me and let’s hope it serves its purpose.
I was born on September 30, 1929 in the upstairs bedroom at 37 Maple Street in the pristine American Viscose Village in Marcus Hook (a true Hooker). I attended Marcus Hook School and graduated from Eddystone High School in 1947 and went on to night school at PMC.
As war clouds formed in 1950, I decided to serve my Country and down at my local pool room, four of the younger Hookers said, ‘We’re with you big guy, let’s give them hell.’ So we all went to Philadelphia and became proud members of United States Air Force, serving through the entire Korean War, from 1950 to 1954.
When I returned to Hook, I met Ann, an 18-year-old beauty, who captured my hear t. In 1957 we were married in St. Mar tin’s Episcopal Church. She put one demand on our marriage; we had to leave Marcus Hook. She just wasn’t happy being called a Hooker !!! (Hahaha). So we relocated to Delaware and raised our family.
I worked for the Sun Oil Company in Marcus Hook as an Assistant Purchasing Agent in Research and Development, retiring in 1986 after 30 years ser- vice. For 58 years I have been a Master Mason, a member of Concord Lodge #625, Concordville, PA.
I helped found a chapter of DeMolay in 1958. After playing many years of basketball and baseball in the Delaware County area, I was inducted into the Marcus Hook Hall of Fame in 1980, for which, I am very proud.”
Jess is survived by his two daughters, Sharon Kay Strohm (Philip) of Chesapeake City, Maryland, and Cynthia Anne Kay of Newark, Delaware. Additionally, he leaves behind three grandchildren, his greatest gifts in life, Scott Brandon Polleck (Kelly), Kristen Leigh Strohm (Aaron McDaniel), and Logan Ashley Strohm. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Kay Bell her family. Jess was predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Doris Kay of Marcus Hook, PA. Jess’ wife of 58 years, Grace Ann Kay, predeceased him, passing two days prior, on December 25th.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2016, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM with a memorial service following, from 10:30 to 11:30. Visitation and services will be held at Brandy wine Valley Funeral Care, Beeson Chapel, 412 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809. A private Burial will be held at The Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals of Delaware, 61 Corporate Circle, New Castle, DE 19720 in honor of Cynthia Kay, attention Rosi Crosby.