In Loving Memory of Joseph Carl Wiltshire.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Joseph, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and community member. He departed this life on September 29, 2023 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication that will be cherished forever.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1934, Joseph made his journey to the United States in 1970, where he embraced the opportunity for a new life. He lived in Brooklyn, NY, San Francisco, CA, San Pablo, CA, and finally returned to Brooklyn, NY. Throughout his life, Joseph exhibited a remarkable resilience and adaptability, embracing the diversity and experiences each location had to offer.
Joseph is survived by Wilma, his wife of 62 years. The two shared four daughters: Wendy Ann, Joanne (Avery), Diane (Peggie) and Roxanne (Gloria). Although Wendy preceded him in death, Joseph’s love for her remained eternal. He is also survived by two other cherished daughters, Gillian and Carleen, and has always felt blessed by all the strong women in his life.
In addition to his immediate family, Joseph leaves behind a legacy of 11 cherished grandchildren – Aneesa, Danielle, Wenona, Noah, Tristan, Jordan, Makayla, Camryn, Connor, Ty, Riley – and one great-grandchild Malakhi, who will forever carry his legacy of love and generosity of spirit with them. He was a proud and loving grandfather who reveled in the joy of watching his grandchildren grow and thrive.
Growing up, Joseph was the sharp-dressing center of a large and tight-knit family. He was pre-deceased by his father Joseph Sr and his beloved mother Aurora, as well as brothers Leslie, Ivan, David and Frederick, and sisters Eleanor, Gloria, Eastlyn and Sandra. He is survived by brothers Rudolph, Clyde, Reynold, Ian and Vaughn, by sisters Althea, Lady P (Patricia), Annette, Cheryl, Carol, Patsy, Marva and Pam, and by more than 20 special nieces and nephews.
Joseph was a man of strong friendships, cultivating deep connections with many close friends from Trinidad, and from Philadelphia to New York to California, who shared his joys and sorrows over the years. Many of his closest friends have pre-deceased him, but his friendship remains a treasure to Mervyn Caruth, Radcliffe Thomas, Lance Lewis, Patsy Nicholas, Robbie, James, Michael Thaxton, Bob Jackson, Joe Cloyd, Ms. Mollie, and countless others who were fortunate to know him.
In addition to his personal relationships, Joseph was a valued member of the Acacia Lodge #7, where he found camaraderie and a sense of belonging. He also had strong ties to the Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, where his faith provided him with solace and a moral compass. His dedication to community extended to his involvement with the American Cancer Society, reflecting his commitment to supporting those affected by illness.
Professionally, Joseph worked as an insurance salesman at Maritime Life and Equitable, providing financial security to countless individuals and families. Joe could sell ice to an Eskimo, and his dedication to his work mirrored his commitment to ensuring the well-being of others.
Joseph achieved an Associate degree, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. His thirst for learning inspired those around him to strive for excellence. He also developed a gift for writing and reciting poetry, and was a natural entertainer; he loved nothing more than to grow his prize roses in his backyard garden, cook wonderful Chinese food and entertain friends and family in his home. He was as passionate about his beloved San Francisco 49’ers as he was about politics.
In his later years, Joseph resided in community settings at Care One Assisted Living (NJ), Bear Creek Assisted Living (NJ), and finally, Westfield Assisted Living (MD). Even in his final years, his spirit remained unbroken, and he continued to inspire those who cared for him with his resilience. The family is grateful for their dedicated care and for the solace provided by the caregivers at ProMedica Hospice and Delaware Hospice in his final hours.
Joseph will be remembered for his warm smile, his generosity, and the way he made everyone feel welcomed and loved. He leaves behind a legacy of love, charm and resilience that will continue to guide and inspire his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday October 7, 2023 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A viewing will begin at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Wiltshire Foundation (https://thewiltshirefoundation.org/) in his memory.
Though Joseph may have left this world, his spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of those he touched. May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with loved ones who went before him.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” In Joseph’s perpetual exhortation, we remind everyone to “take some time to be good to yourself.”
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