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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Joseph J. Lucey, Jr.

Joseph J. Lucey, age 86, of Wilmington, DE passed away at Wilmington Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Monday September 2, 2024.

Joe was born in the Forty Acres neighborhood of Wilmington, DE in 1938, son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Carey) Lucey.  He attended St. Ann’s grade school, Salesianum High School  (class of ’56) and graduated from the University of Delaware.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  Joe married the love of his life, Gene Blakely, also of the Forty Acres, and they spent 56 years of marriage together.  Joe spent his entire working career at the DuPont Company, retiring in 1992.  He then embarked on his true passion, becoming a Personal Fitness Trainer.  His greatest joy in life was as a dad and Pop-Pop.

In addition to his wife Gene, he is survived by his son Joseph; grandchildren Emma and Jack; daughter Elizabeth; grandchild Kylie Windsor; son Mark (Jenna); grandchildren Celia and Ella; his sister Marie Lucey OSF; brother Brian (Susan); brother-in-law Ennio DiGenova (Louise); and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his sister Susan (DiGenova).

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Kentmere Nursing Home and Accent Hospice Care at Wilmington Hospital for their loving care of Joe.

Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave, Wilmington DE, 19806 on Monday September 9, 2024 at 11:00am.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be sent to Salesianum School, 1801 N Broom St, Wilmington, DE 19802, or The Nativity Preparatory School, 1515 Linden St, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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Funeral Services

Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave, Wilmington DE, 19806 on Monday September 9, 2024 at 11:00am.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Condolences

    Jack Duffy lit a candle and writes,
    RIP Joe We loved you in life and continue to love you in death. I wish there was enough time and space here to recall all the happy memories I have of you, going all the way back to first grade at St. Ann’s in 1944 and continuing through Sallies, U of D, the Army at Fort Eustis and all our gatherings with you and Gene over the years. We miss you and I am sure you will be missed dearly by your family and all those whose lives you have touched so deeply. Your teammate for many years, Jack
    09/05/2024 11:39 am
    Joan Margaret Morris lit a candle
    09/05/2024 12:23 pm
    James Nardozzi writes,
    May he rest in peace! Classmate, teammate and friend! Jim Nardozzi Salesianum 1956🙏🏻
    09/05/2024 02:10 pm
    Geraldine Brake writes,
    I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of Joe's family especially his wife, Gene. May God bless you with much comfort as you celebrate the full life of Joe. Marie shared about her brother when we met recently while visiting my brother, Gene. From Panama I send you lots of prayer energy. Sister Gerri Brake ❤️
    09/05/2024 03:20 pm
    Bob, Michele, Elena and Julianna lit a candle and writes,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Joe was a great neighbor, always greeting you with his smile and a hello. Over the years we have enjoyed sharing with him the many stories/updates about our families and how fast our children and his grandchildren were growing up. I’ll (Michele) miss him giving me a hard time about how often I cleaned my car and Bob will miss their many conversations over so many topics, but especially the exterior decorating of our house for Christmas. His smile was inviting, warm, contagious and he was always kind. He will be missed…much love to your family. ❤️
    09/05/2024 05:30 pm
    Jim woods writes,
    MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE LUCEY FAMILY.I SPENT 70 YEARS AS ONE OF JOES MANY FRIENDS.JOE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS WIT AND SENSE OF HUMOR.HE HAD THE CAPACITY TO MAKE EVERYONE LAUGH .HE COULD ALWAYS COME UP WITH THE CLASSIC COMMENT THAT LED TO SPECIAL AND LENGTHY LAUGHS FOR ALL AROUND HIM.JOE WAS A GENTLE GIANT_---HE WAS VERY STRONG BUT ALWAYS TREATED OTHERS WITH RESPECT..THANKS GENE FOR YOUR DEDICATED CARETAKING DURING JOE"S ILLNESS.I WAS PRIVILEGED TO KNOW JOES PARENTS,SIBLINGS AND HIS CHILDREN.I ESPECIALLY GIVE MY PRAYERFUL SUPPORT TO HIS 3 GREAT CHILDREN-----JOE,LIZ AND MARK.WHEN MANY OF US WERE OFF THE CHARTS WITH OUR YOUTHFUL BEHAVIOR,,I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER JOE WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING.HE LIVED A VERY GOOD LIFE AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS KINDNESS AND FAVORS FOR ME PERSONALLY.I OFFER MY BEST WISHES TO HIS BROTHER BRIAN WHO IS ONE OF MY SPECIAL FRIENDS AND HIS SISTER MARIE_-A WONDERFUL AND DEDICATED NUN WHO IS STILL SERVING THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE.
    09/05/2024 05:38 pm
    Michael Piovoso lit a candle and writes,
    I knew Joe when I had a PT Plus gym membership, and Joe was a Personal Trainer there. He was truly a kind, considerate man who offer suggests to people who were not his customers. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. We lost a one-of-a-kind. Rest in peace, Joe.
    09/05/2024 05:48 pm
    Phylis Simione Williams writes,
    Gene and family, so sorry to read of Joe’s passing. Prayers to you and the family. May he rest in peace .
    09/05/2024 09:05 pm
    Danuta Saitis lit a candle and writes,
    Mark, sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. May he rest easy and in peace. 🙏
    09/06/2024 08:10 am
    dori kramedas writes,
    Dearest Gene and children, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father ~ such a good man, always smiling. I remember him coaching the little league team with Ted. Now both moved to their heavenly rest. I will think of all of you, you are in my prayers. Dori Kramedas and Mariel, Tony and Kristen.
    09/06/2024 09:16 am
    Adam T. Burawski writes,
    I want to extend my condolences to Joe's family during this difficult time. I’ll always cherish the memories made together, from those outdoor basketball games at Highlands to our weightlifting sessions in the basement of the YMCA. Joe's spirit and laughter made every moment special. Joe, you are in my prayers, my friend and classmate. With deepest sympathy, Adam T. Burawski '56
    09/06/2024 10:00 am
    Joe and Eileen Szczerba Sr writes,
    We send our deepest condolences to Jean and family. Joe was one of the best of the best . Conversations with Joe always led to a great deal of laughter. All memories of Joe will always end with smiles. He will forever be missed . . We always valued Joe as a great friend. Tenui Nec Dimittam Eileen and Joe
    09/06/2024 12:28 pm
    Anthony Vari writes,
    God. Bless and hold this fine. Salesianum gentleman in his hands. Tony. Vari. 58
    09/06/2024 12:35 pm
    Paul & Joanne Muldoon writes,
    Paul and I are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, and our condolences and prayers go out to you and your children.
    09/06/2024 02:40 pm
    Brett Dorsch lit a candle and writes,
    Joe was truly the man the myth and the legend. Was a great friend, I loved to work out and lift weights with him in our hay day. He always pushed me to my limits. Joe, you will be truly missed.
    09/07/2024 08:31 am
    Dick DeLillio. osfs. We will miss you Joe in so waysmany ..I cherished our friendship lit a candle
    09/07/2024 11:14 am
    Mabel Powell writes,
    Gene you and your family have my deepest sympathy. Praying for you.
    09/07/2024 07:26 pm
    Roy and Joyce Faville writes,
    Our condolences to The Lucy's. We have such fond memories of our pizza parties, travel events and laughter of the past. We love you both. Miss you Joey!
    09/08/2024 10:42 am
    Bob Richter writes,
    I never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Lucey. I did know his dad, many, many years ago, when I was a little kid as his dad was often at our house fixing something or building something. I know Mr. Lucey’s son Joe, III, very well as he was my go to vocational rehabilitation expert when I was practicing law. My sincere condolences to all the Lucey family. Bob Richter, Hugh’s son.
    09/09/2024 09:56 am
    Jennifer Rucinski lit a candle and writes,
    So many wonderful memories of growing up nextdoor to Gene and Joe, or Mr. And Mrs. Lucey as we called them then 😊. Epic games of Trivial Pursuit on their back porch, serenades at the front door on Christmas Eve, and that time Mark got (sort of)hit by a car while we were all playing in the street. I'm sure the sight of an imposing Joe sprinting to his car that summer evening lives forever in that poor teenagers mind as well! Sending love and light from Hburg VA to all the Luceys, ~Jenni
    09/09/2024 11:06 am
    Babs Banks lit a candle and writes,
    Gene..My heart aches. Joe was the best Cousin-in-Law EVER !!!!!!
    09/09/2024 09:34 pm
    Tom Koval lit a candle and writes,
    Joe was truly a fine gentleman! His easy going manner was special. Joe and I both worked a Glasgow Site. I have found memories of our conversations and great memories. Tenui Nec Dimittam You certainly did Joe.
    09/11/2024 08:05 pm
    Robert Ingram Jr
    09/19/2024 10:50 am

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