UPDATED: Funeral Services Set for Former Delaware Representative John Kowalko
Image courtesy State of DE
UPDATED – 10/31/25 – Funeral services for Representative John Kowalko have been set. There are two visitations scheduled – the first is Sunday at the Spicer-Millikin Funeral Home in Newark from noon to 2pm which will be followed by a reception. The second visitation is on Tuesday at 10am at Holy Angels Catholic Parish in Newark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Delaware or the Delaware Food Bank – or the charity of your choice.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 10/26/25 – Former Delaware House Representative John Kowalko has died. Kowalko served the 25th District – which includes parts of Newark – from 2006 to 2022. Kowalko was a machinist for over 30 years and worked at the Delaware City Refinery from 1978 to 2004. In the State House, Kowalko frequently championed consumer protections, transparency in government, public education funding, renewable energy and worker rights.
Kowalko was also a strong critic of Delmarva Power and advocated for publicly owned utilities and clean energy expansion, often clashing with corporate and party interests. He announced that he would not run for re-election in 2022, citing frustration with legislative priorities and a desire to step back after years of service.
Kowalko died on Saturday at the age of 80.