John "Jack" Joseph Ciallella

John “Jack” Joseph Ciallella, a man defined by his unwavering loyalty to his family and his Delco roots, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Sheila.

A proud graduate of Darby High School Class of 1960, Jack went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Following his service, he dedicated his career to the safety and precision of the American rails. As a Special Project Manager for Conrail, Jack’s work took him across the country, mapping rails and conducting inspections of the nation's travel routes.

For over 30 years, Jack was a fixture of the Ridley Township community. He was a "sharpshooter" in every sense, frequently found competing for the Burgundy Tavern pool team in Ridley Park. Jack also embodied the values of charity and fraternity as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Peace Council in Crum Lynne.

If there was a game on, Jack was watching. He rode the highs and lows of the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers with the grit of a true Philadelphia fan. On Friday nights, his loyalty was local, as he cheered on the Ridley Raiders under the lights. While he loved the pros, his favorite athletes were closer to home. Jack’s proudest moments weren't found in professional stadiums, but in the front-row seats he took for his grandchildren. Whether it was traveling across New Jersey for high school soccer, tailgating at Virginia Tech and University of Pittsburgh football games, or standing tall at high school and college graduations, "Pop" was always their biggest supporter.

In his retirement, Jack and Sheila enjoyed life as snowbirds in Venice, Florida, where he spent mornings fishing on "the wall" with his buddies. In the summer, you could find him crabbing in Sea Isle or fishing at his favorite spots at the Jersey Shore. He loved cruising the seas with his wife and cherished family vacations to Hawaii’s Big Island. In addition to traveling, Jack had a love for the kitchen. He was a master Italian chef and was the King of homemade raviolis and spaghetti. Fish on Fridays, Sunday pasta dinners, and Christmas Eve were his favorites.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Christina Ciallella, and his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Ciallella.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Sheila (Wright) Ciallella; his daughters, Synthia Shoemaker (James) and Gina Ciallella (Daniel Sullivan); and his five grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Joshua Shoemaker, Sophia Shoemaker, Hunter Crawford, Jack Sullivan, and Danny Sullivan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jack’s viewing from 9:00 to 10:15 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Avenue, Morton, PA 19070. His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Avenue, Morton, PA 19070.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Millersville Foundation/Christina A. Ciallella Memorial Scholarship fund. Please send contributions to The Duncan Alumni House PO Box 1002 Millersville, PA 17551