John Barton Rettew III

He is survived by his son, Christopher Rettew (Laura Kozlowski Rettew), and daughter, Elizabeth Bauer. He has four Grandchildren - Andrew Rettew (Daniella Nordin), Katherine Phillips (Michael Phillips), Emily Rettew, and Michael Bauer, and one great grandchild, Clare Rettew. His extended family linked by marriage to Ellie included sons, John (Debbie Toroni) Crowley, James Crowley, Debra (David) Sullivan, Rona Crowley (deceased), four grandchildren, Joshua, Jack, Katelyn (Watson), Bryce; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Rettew Karstetter, whose children, Michael (Elaine) Fuguet David (Laura) Fuguet, Steven R. Fuguet and Lorianne Karstetter were key parts of the strong family bonds he promoted.

John spent 91 years as a resident of the Philadelphia area. Born to John Barton Rettew Jr. and Bertha Poulterer Rettew and raised in Wayne, PA, he lived his adult life in Strafford, Exton, and Downingtown. He was a graduate of Episcopal Academy, Class of 1950, and Haverford College, Class of 1954. At both, he enjoyed football and track & field. He had a long successful career in the Publishing and Advertising business beginning at Curtis Publishing with the Saturday Evening Post and more than 25 years with Triangle Publications at TV Guide Magazine.

John dedicated his life to volunteering and working to grow the institutions which shaped his life.

As an Episcopal alumnus, proud of its heritage, he was a leader as the President of the Alumni Association. He worked with school administrators and Alumni to see the development and completion of Episcopal’s Newtown Square Campus.

As a member of St. David's Episcopal Church, he pursued a lay ministry to lead Children’s Sunday School Services. His love of the ‘Old Church’ helped him stay grounded with God, and enjoy the close personal nature of relationships with ministry and other members.

John was most known for his passion and dedication to the Boy Scouts of America. Initially and mainly, as a member of Devon Troop 50, his work continued with the Chester County Council serving the broader region. Starting in his youth he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, Eagle #29, in Devon 50 and worked on the Camp Horseshoe Staff. As an adult, his devotion progressed to becoming Scoutmaster of Devon 50 in the 1970s. With the Council he served on their Board, ultimately as Council President. Camping at Camp Horseshoe was an annual event from youth until late in life. He served on the Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association which focuses on the Camp’s legacy and improvements. Through his work with Scouts he provided leadership and mentoring to hundreds of young men helping many become Eagle Scouts and successful adults today.

“JB”, supported by his wife Ellie, helped secure the funds to build the new cabin at the Troop Devon 50 Camp Jarvis, its troop assembly room bearing his name, “The JB Rettew Room.” JB and Ellie were key figures in the successful Polish Jamboree held at Horseshoe Scout Reservation’s Camp Ware. They were an inseparable pair in advocating for the success of future generations in Devon, Chester County and Scouting worldwide.

In addition to his other achievements, John was an author and historian. He published several books on the history of Devon Troop 50, Camp Horseshoe and Chester County Boy Scout Council.

John was a wonderful father, a good man, and a warm friend.

He was loved and will truly be missed.

His burial will be at St. David’s Episcopal Church next to his wife, in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of his Life, in planning, will follow in May for friends, colleagues, and those he impacted.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to:

Devon Troop 50 BSA

Episcopal Academy

St. Davids Episcopal Church

Chester County Council BSA

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Rettew family.