John (Jack) Conrad Worrell, Jr., 69, died on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at his home in Lincoln University, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Janet Boyd Worrell, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. They met while working in the U.S. Senate in 1979; were married in April 1982, in Washington, D.C.; and lived in Arlington, Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley before relocating to southern Chester County in 1993. Jack was born in Philadelphia and was the son of the late John Worrell Sr. and the late Elizabeth Smith Worrell.
Jack graduated from Prospect Park High School in 1973, where he played soccer, ran track, and played in the high school band. He attended Penn State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and earned his degree in Political Science in 1977. He continued his postgraduate studies at Indiana State University, which led to an internship in Washington, D.C. for Senator Richard Lugar and employment at the Library of Congress and the US House of Representatives.
Throughout his career, Jack was a keen observer of government and politics, working initially as a political consultant and later as a self-employed federal contract procurement specialist.
Throughout his life, Jack was an avid sports enthusiast, coaching his children’s youth sports teams, and was a devoted fan of Penn State football. He enjoyed the adventure and educational benefits of travel to destinations both new and revisited. He especially enjoyed scuba diving, pickleball, theater, and backyard bonfires with friends. He was a lifelong reader with diverse interests in history, music, sports, and foreign affairs.
In addition to his wife, Janet, he is survived by his son, John III; his daughter, Alexandra (GraemeBirrell); his sister, Lillian (William Hall); nephews, Craig and Jeffrey Hall; sister-in-law, Jeanne Boyd; nephews, Greg and Nick Boyd; niece, Amanda Boyd Clark; his brother-in-law, Robert (Kimberly)Boyd; and two granddaughters, Charlotte and Amelia Worrell.
A private service will be held for immediate family, with an informal gathering in celebration of Jack’s life to be announced at a later date.
Contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to one’s favorite charity, a local YMCA, or community library.
Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
