Delaware People: Ranney’s passion gets others singing

For three decades, John Ranney preached the gospel, prayed
for the sick, married couples in love and laid some to rest. But
the pastor of Milford’s Reformation Lutheran Church didn’t stop
using his talents when he stepped out of the pulpit.

He also sang, danced and acted in choir stalls and on stages
across Sussex County — and worked tirelessly to pass his love of
music and theater on to the next generation.

Now retired from the clergy, Ranney, 58, hasn’t given up that
passion, serving as conductor of the Southern Delaware Choral
Society, a member of the Delaware State Arts Council, a private
vocal coach and as choir director for a new fledgling Lutheran
church in the Long Neck area.

“He’s an exceptionally special person,” said longtime friend
Theda Blackwelder, whose late husband, David, was a fellow Lutheran
pastor. “He is just robust in his joy.”