John Dale DeLora

John was born in Detroit Michigan and attended Cody High School and later both Ferris State and Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Service.

He worked as a Sheriffs Deputy in Wayne County, Michigan before volunteering in the U.S Navy in September of 1961. He proudly served the U.S. Navy on active duty in the Vietnam War from January 1965-January 1967 and was honorably discharged as a 3rd Class Petty Officer in September of 1967. During his service he was awarded numerous medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam).

Following the war, he joined the City of Grosse Pointe Woods as a Public Safety Officer and served as a Police Office, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He married and raised two children in the same city. After 14 years as a police officer, he briefly left law enforcement and began a new career as a stock broker. He started his broker career with Dean Whitter which was later acquired by Morgan Stanley. Later, he left Morgan Stanley to become a local Branch Manager for Scottrade before leaving the broker business for good and returning to Law Enforcement for Detroit Public Schools as a Police Officer. He retired from Detroit Public schools to his home in St. Clair Shores, where he lived until his passing.

Always an advocate for passenger rail service, John founded the Michigan Association of Rail Passengers (MARP) in 1973 and worked tirelessly to improve both the quality and access to train service for everyone for over 50 years. This allowed him to connect with countless others who shared his same commitment and gave him a number of lifelong friends. While serving as the founder of MARP and also as Vice-Chairman of the Nation Association of Rail Passengers (NARP) he volunteered his own time and resources to champion improving passenger rail service. His drive and passion earned him time with U.S. Senators and U.S. Congressman, and well as state and local government officials. This commitment allowed him an opportunity to testify before U.S. Congressional sub-committees on behalf of passenger rail service. He received numerous accolades both nationally and on the local level, including the Key to the City for Jackson Michigan.

He was a proud military and police veteran and championed care for all service members and their families in his local community. He remained close to a number of police officers he served with, having regular lunches to make sure they kept in contact.

John passed peacefully under hospice care in the hospital. He remained friends with his ex-wife, Gloria who was by his side when he passed, and is survived by his two sons, John and Douglas.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 17th at A.H Peters Funeral home for family from 1pm-2pm, and for the public from 2p-8p with a military Honor Guard ceremony at 6pm. Plans are for him to be buried next to his father at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan at a future date.