Joel Spencer Poorman

Joel Spencer Poorman, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, surrounded by family. He lived a long, rich life and leaves behind a large, loving family who will miss him dearly.

Joel grew up in Columbus, Ohio where he graduated from Bexley High School.  He earned a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.  He rowed on the crew team in college and balanced early-morning workouts on the Connecticut River with the activities of Psi Upsilon fraternity.  It was at the Psi U house that his courtship of Eleanor Alexander blossomed.

Joel completed the ROTC program at Dartmouth and served his country for three years as an ensign in the Navy, with postings that included a tour of the Pacific on the USS Preston DD795.  Prior to his final assignment in New York City, Ellie and Joel were married.

Joel and Ellie shared a passion for adventure and travel.  Over their 68 wonderful years of marriage, they made homes in many places: New York City, Avondale and Kennett Square (PA), São Paulo (Brazil), Coral Gables (FL), London (England), Wilmington (DE), Chestertown (MD), and most recently at the Country House (DE). In each location, they expanded their circle of friends and added chapters to their shared story full of culture, travel, and fun.

Joel’s distinguished 35-year career in international finance at the DuPont Company facilitated the family’s love of travel.  He was entrusted with managing DuPont’s portfolio of joint ventures in Brazil, Latin America, and Europe at a time when oversight from corporate headquarters was limited.  Not many dads take their children to visit dynamite factories, shoot skeet at corporate events, or provide all the fiberglass materials for a DIY surf board.

At retirement, Joel and Ellie built their dream home on the banks of the Langford River outside Chestertown MD.  He believed staying active would contribute to longevity and embraced the full farmer experience in the ensuing 20 years.  He planted and pruned scores of trees, maintained a large garden and orchard, and installed his own riprap.  Ultimately, the property designed as a magnet to attract visits by their eleven grandchildren.  Their plan memorialized in artwork hung in their home: “Come let us live for our children”.  By that measure, Joel’s life was an extraordinary success.

Joel possessed a legendary sense of humor.  He had a gift for making people laugh and worked his craft at every opportunity.  He delighted in connecting with people whether old friends or a chance encounter. In a walk around the Country House, people would smile at the sight of him in anticipation of what he was about to say.  He was a joy to be around.

Joel loved to dance.  He was typically the first one on the dance floor, especially back when afforded opportunity to embarrass his teenage children.  He was also passionate about the Philadelphia Eagles.  He planned Fall weekends around the Eagles schedule and wore his prized 2025 Super Bowl wristband to the end.

Joel served on the Board of the Centreville School and as President of the Greenville Country Club. He volunteered with SCORE, advising small businesses, and worked with the Episcopal Diocese of Easton. He was a man of great generosity, committed to community and service.

He was also a man of great faith and lived by the principle of the Serenity Prayer.  He chose to be happy.  On July 19th most of the family – 38 people – gathered to celebrate Ellie’s 90th birthday.  The patriarch was front and center throughout the festivities.  Although he passed away a week later, we take great comfort and count as blessing the final epic party led by Joel as a memory to be forever treasured.

Joel is survived by his cherished partner: Ellie Poorman of Wilmington, Delaware.  He will be deeply missed by his four children: Jeffrey (Anne) Poorman of Bronxville, NY; Bradley (Beth) Poorman of Naples, FL; Martha (Jay) Tschantz of Wilmington, DE and Alexandra Poorman Ergon who pre-deceased him.  He formed close bonds with his eleven grandchildren who adored him: Spencer (Anisha Chopra) Poorman of Brooklyn, NY; Carrie (Ashley) Hall, MD, of Atlanta, GA; Greg (Laura Katz) Poorman of Larchmont, NY; Elliott (Danielle Matton) Ergon of Portland OR; Porter (Mark) Rothman, of Denver, CO; Garrett (Tielly) Poorman of Miami, FL; Sloane Poorman of Naples, FL; Alec Poorman of Miami, FL; Dwyer (Erin) Tschantz of Traverse City, MI; Margo Tschantz of New York, NY; and Mason Tschantz of Boston, MA. He was also very proud of his eight great-grandchildren: Sebastian Thomas Hall, Emilia Eleanor Hall, Leo Katz Poorman, Mars Katz Poorman, Penelope Lille Ergon, Josephine Alexandra Ergon, Thalia Poorman, and Nolan Poorman, with more love to come.

A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, August 22, 2025, at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Wilmington, Delaware.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joel’s memory may be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund, Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike #5520, Wilmington DE 19807.

Joel’s memory will live on in the laughter of his family, the stories retold at gatherings, and the many lives he touched. He showed us how to chose happiness, live fully, and love deeply.

May his memory be a blessing.