Joseph C. Galloway III

Joseph C. Galloway III of Wilmington passed away at Wilmington Hospital on Friday January 22, 2021 from Covid 19. Joe was born in Wilmington on July 16, 1943. He was the son of the late Joseph C. JR. and Edith Galloway. Joe graduated from Brandywine High School, attended Business College and was a member of the DE National Guard during the 1960s. Joe joined his fathers’ company, Galloway Brothers Transportation Co, after college where he worked with his mother and brother John. Joe proudly drove a Mack Truck for his entire career and was the owner operator of Galloway Trucking after his mother retired. He retired in July of 2012.

Joe married Patricia Ireland Hodson in 1994. They enjoyed a long marriage and loved vacations with their family, social gatherings with their core group of lifelong friends (the Delaware 8) and dancing the jitterbug together. His beloved Pat passed away in 2015. He loved his dogs, his tropical fish collection, his many plants and his gardens. After he lost Pat, he was fortunate enough to find love and a new lease on life with Sunny Blackhawk his girlfriend of 4 years.

Joe was a member of VFW Hall Burke post 5447 in Holly Oak and a member of The Moose Club of Claymont where he knew the name of every patron. Joe loved the simple pleasures of a beer with friends, singing 50’s tunes, watching old black & white movies, swapping stories, sharing his strong opinions and beating the contestants on Jeopardy! He was also a frugal man except for when it came to giving hugs which he did freely. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends who now have an empty chair that can’t be filled. Let us raise a glass to our father and friend, Slainte until we meet again.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, his brother John I. Galloway, and two stepchildren Norman Hodson and Michelle Martine. Survivors include his devoted companion Sonja Blackhawk, his stepchildren Breeze Tonnesen (Mark), Mark Hodson (Diane), Dawn Schafferman (Darren), Wayne Hodson and Dana Hodson (Kelli) and numerous grandkids. Also, by stepchildren from a previous marriage Greg Meck (Lori) and Karen Ann Meck (Ray). His dear friends Lynne Russell Connor and Ernie and Barb Minner.

We are very grateful for the extraordinary care and endless compassion the entire ICU staff at Wilmington Hospital gave our Joe. You are true heroes.

Due to restrictions from Covid 19 burial will be private. A memorial will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joe’s name to the Claymont Moose or Hall Burke VFW.