But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Ralph Jackson O’Day, Jr., known as Jack, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Feb. 28, 2025. Jack was a dedicated servant to his church and community. Jack was happiest when doing the Lord’s work. He served many roles such as a Sunday school teacher, Congo Partnership missionary, Gideon International leader, Prayer Team Captain, choir member, and spiritual leader for family and friends. The Gethsemane Church in Reliance, Mariner’s Bethel Church in Ocean View and the Peninsula Methodist Conference benefited from his life-long service. His service to his community stretched beyond these organizations.
The eldest child born to Ralph Jackson O’Day Sr. and Margaret (Peggy) Dawson O’Day on Oct. 4, 1942, Jack graduated from Seaford Senior High School and the University of Delaware in Business Agriculture. Upon graduation and completion of Marine Corps officer training, Jack married Joan Kelley, also from Seaford. Jack served in Vietnam as a field artillery officer. Before getting his honorable discharge, he attained the rank of Marine Corps Captain. He and Joan lived in Newport, R.I. and Totowa, NJ. where Jack was a line manager for Continental Can Co.
In the early 70s, he returned to Seaford to help his father and brother run the family farm. In the late 80’s, Jack returned to school, obtained a degree in accounting from Salisbury State University, and began work for the I.R.S. in Georgetown. Later, he and Joan moved to Bethany Beach to retire in a cottage built by Joan’s parents in 1957.
Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Kelley O’Day; his daughter, Kathleen O’Day Evans (Clark); and his son, Matthew Jackson O’Day (Stephanie). Jack was blessed by the loving support of his five grandchildren: Mackenzie O’Day, Carter O’Day, Evan O’Day, Emily Evans, and Kate Evans. Jack is survived by four siblings, Edie O’Day Sipos (Joe), Gail O’Day Olive (George), and twins, Jim O’Day (Carol), and Joe O’Day (Sue).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m. at Mariner’s Bethel Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970. The family will be available following the service for fellowship and refreshments in the Hope Center next door to the Sanctuary. For more details, please visit www.melsonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations can be made to Mariner’s Bethel Ministries, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970 or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 281, Millsboro, DE 19966.