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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Joseph E. DeStafney

Joseph E. DeStafney, of Yorklyn, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the age of 95.

Joe was born at Wilmington Hospital to Joseph and Gertrude DeStafney. He graduated from Conrad High School. Joe proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during WWII in Germany. He then went on to work at General Motors retiring in 2002 after 53 years.

Joe grew up on his family farm (which is now Auburn Valley State Park) and loved his cows. He enjoyed traveling with his and Johanna’s close group of friends, going to the theatre, (especially musicals), and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Notre Dame football. He was a man of great faith; ushering and attending daily Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption for many years. Most of all Joe loved and cherished his family.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Johanna, along with daughter Geralyn Swain, sons Paul (Jeanie), Gery (Cynthia) and Chris (Tammy), 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, his sisters Sandy Carpenter (Jimmy) and Janice Iaconi. He is pre-deceased by his parents Joseph and Gertrude DeStafney and his brothers Francis and James (Chook).

The family would like to thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Jess, Jen, Rosemary, Mark and Donna. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Ruthann from Angel Care that provided such good care and support the last 3 years.

In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass celebrated in his name. God Bless.

DeStafney, Joseph E. Obituary Photo
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Funeral Services

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. St. Mary of The Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass celebrated in his name. God Bless.

Condolences

    The Santiago Family lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences to the entire DeStafney family. Mr. DeStafney had the kindest demeanor and was a true patriarch. His faith was evident until the very end. Rest in peace, "Welo D."
    05/05/2021 10:55 am
    Sisters from st Rocco church lit a candle and writes,
    We wanted to let you know that we are praying for the consolation of your family and for the soul of your beloved father. In Jesus and Mary, Sisters
    05/05/2021 11:13 am
    Cheryl Smith Reber lit a candle and writes,
    Chris our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It’s never easy loosing a loved one my heart goes out to you and your family.
    05/05/2021 05:06 pm
    Tanya Negron writes,
    The Negrón Family sends their prayers as you say good bye to your beloved patriarch. God bless
    05/05/2021 06:22 pm
    Linda Schofield lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sorry for your loss ! A great man he will be missed especially at Sunday dinners. Prayers being said
    05/05/2021 07:37 pm
    Paul DeStafney lit a candle and writes,
    Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. Love you Dad. Jeanie and I are really going to miss you. Godspeed.
    05/06/2021 08:13 am
    Michael P. Capodanno writes,
    Joe, was a true gentleman who set an example that I can barely emulate. Joe was the best of the best.
    05/06/2021 10:17 am
    Wendy Meyers lit a candle and writes,
    Mrs. D, Geralyn, Paul, Gary & Chis - My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. D was always such a ray of sunshine and a pleasure to talk to. I have many fond memories of him while growing up and he will be dearly missed. He's at peace now along with all of the other original "Benge Road Gang"! Please let me or my sister know if there's anything we can do for you all.
    05/06/2021 11:01 am
    Lori Schofield lit a candle and writes,
    Sending prayers and love to all. Always loved seeing Mr. DeStafney and hearing his stories . He was a great man and will be missed dearly.
    05/06/2021 02:02 pm
    Barbara Taylor writes,
    What fun times we all had! Johanna, Dale and the rest of the bunch ~ 50 years of friendship, dancing, trips, picnics ~ we did it all. Rest now. Love you, Bud
    05/06/2021 02:26 pm
    Deacon Joe & Lorraine Jackson lit a candle and writes,
    Joe💗Johanna set a beautiful picture of a marriage that reflected a constantly growing Love. Joe’s ornery smile will always be remembered.
    05/06/2021 09:56 pm
    Rich Morgan writes,
    My thoughts & prayers are with the Destafney family.
    05/07/2021 08:22 am
    Helen Meuser lit a candle and writes,
    My condolences to the DeStafney family on their loss. I always saw Chris' dad and mom when I attended parties at Chris and Tammy's house many years ago. May he RIP
    05/07/2021 05:04 pm
    Charlene Sternberg lit a candle and writes,
    I was saddened by the news of Joe’s passing. He was such a kind soul, and always happy to see me and Finnegan walking down his driveway for a visit. I so enjoyed his stories of growing up on the farm. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all his loved ones and all those that knew him. God Bless him.
    05/07/2021 05:26 pm
    Evelyn Soto Sanchez lit a candle and writes,
    May his memories comfort his family and may he rest in peace. Stay Blessed
    05/07/2021 09:39 pm
    The Joswick Family lit a candle and writes,
    Johanna and family.......My sincere condolences go out to you all for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. May he fly high with the angels as he watches over you all. Rest In Peace Mr. D.
    05/09/2021 08:33 am
    Vincent oddo lit a candle and writes,
    On behalf of the Oddo’s, I would like to offer are humble condolences. Mr. D. will be missed. God speed to him ~ our prayers are with you all
    05/09/2021 11:32 am
    Adam Burawski writes,
    It was with great profound sorrow that I learned of Joe's death. The world has lost someone very special. Adam T. Burawski
    05/09/2021 03:34 pm
    Kathy lit a candle and writes,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love you, Kathy, Sydney, Summer & Haley ❤️
    05/09/2021 09:34 pm
    Anna Marie WellsIt lit a candle and writes,
    Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Steve and I had the honor and privilege of meeting him many years ago and enjoyed his light humor and stories. Take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have and hold them in your heart. You are in our thoughts and prays. Love Steve and Anna Wells
    05/10/2021 12:13 pm
    Marge Gebhart lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Johanna and family, Our condolences to all the family. Enjoyed all of our trips. Joe always brought a smile to us all. He was a hard worker and enjoyed the farm. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know. Our prayers are with you all. Sincerely the Gebhart Family! 🙏🙏🙏💔
    05/12/2021 03:32 pm

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