Jack Sizemore

Jack Sizemore, age, 89, of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away June 9th, 2025, at Fairhaven Retirement Community.

Jack was born in Camden New Jersey but lived a significant part of his life in the Chicago area and Maryland. As a young man Jack lettered in three sports and was president of his high school class. He had a lifelong love of sports and throughout his adult life was known to many as « Coach » for the years of coaching youth football, girls’ softball and playing men’s softball.

He proposed to his wife Ellie, of 65 years, in between double headers of a Cub game, and he would often proclaim that if the Cubs hadn’t won the first game, his children would not be in existence. They began their married life in North Carolina where Jack was assigned to basic training in the Army. He served for 3 years before moving back to the Chicago area.

Jack and Ellie raised their 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs, where ketchup was never allowed on hotdogs. He promised to give his girls 2 things in life « an education and straight teeth ». He also imparted words of wisdom when they left for college, « books, boys and booze in that order or you will work at Kmart the rest of your life » With actions more than words he ensured his daughters that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to and there was never a time when they didn’t feel his support and encouragement.

Jack was employed by CNA insurance for 40 years. His business frequently took him to his eventually adopted state of Maryland where he learned to love crabs and the ocean. When he retired as Assistant Vice President, he and Ellie moved to Ocean Pines MD where they became very active in the area’s social life, made many deep, lasting friendships, and became a vacation destination for their daughter’s families. In the Pines, he was well known for caring for the homes, pets and plants of their neighbors who were on vacation and feeding the local wildlife in his backyard. Commonly referred to as the Mayor of Whitetail Sanctuary, he could be counted on to know and report on the happenings of day-to-day life there.

Also, as a retiree Jack was very active as a volunteer. He participated in the Optimist’s Club, one year being honored as « Optimist of the Year », Santa’s House and Children’s House by the Sea where he helped make dreams come true for terminally ill children. He was also awarded the Worcester Humanitarian Award in 2016, given to people with a legacy of inspiring volunteer work.

Jack never met a stranger, and after he met you once, you became family and nothing meant more to Jack than family His three grandchildren were the joy of his later years and he was a very active grandfather participating in many school, sporting, extracurricular activities and family vacations throughout the years. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by loved ones, especially at the holidays.

Jack’s upbringing was humble, and he worked hard all his life living by his motto, “Can’t means you don’t want to.” He ensured that his family never wanted anything. He will be missed more than words can express.

Jack is survived by his wife Ellie, his daughters Brenda Ewen (Ed), and Suzy Schalon, and his beloved grandchildren Matthew Ewen (Jen), Callie Syester (Andrew) and Evan Schalon (Bailey).

Those desiring may make contributions to; The Optimist Club-Larry Campbell,10128 Sast Colors Lane, Berlin Md, 21811; or Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, 13 66th Street, Ocean City Md, 21842.

Arrangements made by: Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, PA online condolences to www.burrier-queen.com.