John E. “Jack” Bare, 79, of Frankford, Delaware, passed away peacefully at his home on April 23, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born February 20, 1936, in Washington, DC, the son of the late James and Iva (Gordy) Bare. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd Wakefield, Charles Bare and Joe Burt and a sister, Bernadine King. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Phyllis (Smith) Bare; two sons, John E. Bare, Jr., and Lloyd A. Bare; his brothers, Sam, Donald, Fred, Leo and Jesse Bare; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and 20 nieces and nephews.

Jack’s funeral service and final alarm were held on April 26, 2015, at the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company where Jack dedicated more than 55 years of his life in service to his community. Serving others is how Jack chose to spend his life and few can compare their service record to that of Jack Bare who served his community, county, state and country with unwavering dedication and commitment.

Before and during his tenure with the fire service, Jack served his country for 44 years as a mechanic with the Delaware Army National Guard where he amassed the following awards: Army Commendation Medal (twice); Service In Aid to Civil Authority Medal (twice); The Conspicuous Service Cross; The Army National Guard Recruiter Plaque; and The Medal for Military Merit.

Jack joined the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company in October 1958 and until recently was always one of our most active members. His service went beyond simply riding fire trucks or serving as a Fire Police Officer. Jack was a perpetual leader and leadership roles always seemed to find him. During his tenure with the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company Jack was President for 14 years; Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer; Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Chief Engineer, and Assistant Engineer; and Fire Police Captain for six years and Fire Police Officer for 17 years. Jack’s service was not limited to his local community. He was President of the Sussex County Firefighters Association in 1977/78, President of the Sussex County Fire Chief’s Association and President of the Sussex County Fire Police Association.

Each of these roles requires more than a single year of service. Leading up to the year as President, Jack served each association as the 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President, and, after serving as President, another year as a Director.

Jack’s dedication and commitment to the Delaware State Fire Service was just as impressive. He was President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association in 1981, President of the Delaware State Fire Police Association in 2008, and was appointed Commissioner on the State Fire Commission in 1982. As with the county associations, each of these offices also required additional years of service as 2nd Vice-President and 1st Vice-President.

In 2004 Jack began his rotation through the Delmarva Volunteer Firefighters Association where he served as 2nd Vice-President, 1st Vice-President and was appointed President in 2006.

For his lifetime of service to the Delaware Fire Service, John “Jack” Bare was inducted into the Delaware Firefighter’s Hall of Fame and recognized as the State Fire Police Officer of the Year in 2008.

For his service to our company, which included 14 years as President, for his service as President of the Sussex County Firefighters Association, President of the Sussex County Fire Chief’s Association, President of the Sussex County Fire Police Association, President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, President of the Delaware State Fire Police Association, President of the Delmarva Volunteer Firefighters Association, and Commissioner of the Delaware State Fire Commission, the membership was honored in 2014 to recognize John “Jack” Bare as “President Emeritus” of the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company, the first in its history.

Jack has set the bar so high that it would be hard to imagine anyone ever matching it. Jack’s dedication and leadership has left a legacy for us all and he will surely be missed throughout the Delaware State Fire Service.

Rest in peace Jack, and may God grant comfort and peace to your family.

– DFSN photos by Patrick Quigley and Barbara Rich Dornenburg