John Thomas Lare passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a battle with Parkinson’s Dementia.
John was born in Milford, Delaware, on February 11, 1954, to Harry Lare and Catherine Fleming Lare. He grew up in Ellendale, Delaware, and graduated from Milford Senior High School in 1972. John was active in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), winning first place in the state for his Timex shadow box display.
After high school, John went to work with his father, Harry, at James Julian Construction Company. There, he made lifelong friends.
Deciding to explore, John moved to Portland, Oregon. He loved living in the Pacific Northwest and all it had to offer, including the mountains, coast, rivers, forests and gardens. His passion was growing orchids in his greenhouse. He frequently visited Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls and Washington State. While in Portland, he worked at the Georgia Pacific paper mill for many years.
In time, John missed his roots and friends in Ellendale and moved back. He reconnected with his hometown church, Ellendale United Methodist, and became part of its new ministry offering a food pantry. He loved serving the guests who came to the food pantry and never knew a stranger or let anyone go without food or a hug.
Eventually, John took on the responsibility of running the food pantry, finding immense satisfaction in serving in that position.
John is survived by his brother, Harry H. Lare Jr.; his sister, Susan Ament; and many nieces, grandnieces and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be no memorial service, and interment will be private.
