John Joseph Iorii

He was the son of Francis L. Iorii Sr. and Doris Clark Iorii Dugan. His wife of 30 years, Deborah Chase Iorii, predeceased him in 2010. He is survived by his brother, Francis L. Iorii Jr., sisters Regina Iorii (Chip McDaniel) and Karen Cross (Harry), niece Julie Iorii, nephew Alex Cross, all of Wilmington, Delaware, and his rescue dog Zoe.

John was born in Wilmington, DE. He attended St. Helena’s School and Mount Pleasant High School. In both schools, he played football. In high school, he was active in student government as a member of the Student Council and as Vice-President of his senior class. After working for the B&O Railroad, he attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was awarded a teaching assistant position and earned a Master of Arts degree in European History. He was most proud of working his way through college.

John moved to Chatham, VA in 1979, where he taught history and driver education for 3 years. In 1982, he and Debby moved to Jacksonville, FL. John taught history at Episcopal High School until 2007. His students meant the world to him, and he earned the Davis Award for outstanding teaching in 1995. He was also named Daughters of the American Revolution Teacher of the Year in 2007. At Episcopal High School, John also served as Dean of Students, and he coached football for 11 years. After retiring from coaching, he worked with the theater department for 10 years. As a thespian, he built sets, co-directed, and acted. He finished his professional career teaching history at Jacksonville University from 2009-2017. He also tutored inner city students from 2009-2013.

John’s teaching goal was simple …. “If I can reach just one kid….” And he reached many. Several of his students became teachers themselves, and attributed their career choice to him having been their teacher.

John worked at a dog day-care for 5 years, where he made “friends” with many of the hounds. He was a lifelong animal lover, and had several rescues throughout the years.

In retirement, John enjoyed playing trivia at the American Legion, and watching his beloved Eagles at the Scoreboard.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Echo Dogs White German Shepherd Rescue at https://www.echodogs.org/donations