James J. Rehanek

James Joseph Rehanek (Sr), 94, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, in Milford, DE. 

Son of Bessie (Holdsworth) and Frank Rehanek, he was born on March 27, 1930, in Bobtown, PA. He graduated Point Marion High School in 1948 and entered the Air Force the following year, proudly serving during the Korean War as a Russian Interpreter. He received his Bachelor’s in Engineering from West Virginia University and worked as an Aerospace Engineer. He was employed in California by Autonetics and then Douglas Aircraft. Jim and family moved to Virginia in the late 1960s and he went to work for The Department of Navy. Jim also worked as a tax preparer for over 40 years. He also held an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Jim retired from the Department of Navy in 1989. He and his wife of 68 years, Anne (Kearney) Rehanek, moved to West Virginia after retirement. He sold real estate part-time for several years. He and Anne enjoyed traveling and volunteering.  

Jim was preceded to heaven by his wife, Anne, his parents, his brothers William Rehanek and Francis Rehanek. He is survived by his children: James Rehanek, Jr. (Cindy) of Jenks, OK, Michael Rehanek (Vicky) of Charles Town, WV, Gregory Rehanek (Andrea) of Martinsburg, WV and Melanie Kelly (Rob) of Lewes, DE; 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; brother Thomas Rehanek, half-sisters Elaine Tracy, Suzie Feirick, Kathy Kormos and half-brother Joseph Kormos, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

Mass service will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE 19963, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 11 a.m. Immediately following mass, Jim (and Anne) will be laid to rest at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Jim’s name, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org