Joseph W. Vattilana, Sr. “Joe V.”

Joseph William Vattilana, Sr., “Joe V”, age 95, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Joe was born in 1928 in Wilmington, Delaware, son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Castiglione) Vattilana. He graduated from Pierre S. DuPont High School in 1947 and was drafted into the U.S. Army, 1946.  He was recalled to duty, in 1950 to Germany, 4^th Infantry Division, rank of Sgt. First Class. Joe attended Del. Tech Community College, 1966-1970, 1989-1990 and Penn State University, 1976-1980.

Joe joined the Talleyville Fire Company in 1948 and held numerous fire line and administrative positions during his 75-year tenure with the company. He received the Talleyville Lifetime Emeritus Award for 75 years.  Joe served as a leader, mentor, and friend to a countless number of people throughout his lifetime. Joe was always a fixture in the firehouse during morning coffee time and on emergency scenes. Joe’s humble personality and sound advice will be missed by many.

In addition to his service at Talleyville, Joe also served as President of the New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association from 1986-1987 as well as President of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association from 1993-1994. Joe was also a lifetime honorary member of the Wilmington Manor Fire Company.

Joe worked for many years at the Delaware Department of Transportation. Joe was considered an expert in highway safety where he published several safety manuals and received numerous awards and commendations related to his work. He eventually retired as the Chief State Safety Inspector for the Department of Transportation.

Joe was listed in the Who’s Who In America in the 2000 Millennium Edition as follows: Joe (Joe V Safety, LLC), retired Chief State Safety Inspector, Wilmington, DE.  Certified Field Instructor for Radiation Control; Work Zone Safety Supervisor; Director, Fleet Maintenance; Flagger Instructor, Heavy Equipment Mechanic Department of Highways and Transportation, Bear, DE, 1963-1970; Equipment Supervisor, Department of Highways and Transportation, Bear, DE. 1970-1979; Highway Safety Engineer, 1979-1984; Chief Safety Inspector, 1984-      ; Instructor: Flagger, National Safety Coun., 1997; Safety Consultant for private Engineering Company, 1994-      ; Speaker and Instructor in field.  Author: Safety Manual, Pass the Word, 1987; Equipment Certification Manual, 1987; Do Something-Traffic Controls for Emergency Personnel, 1999.  Department Chief Assistant, Chief-Chief Driver; Board of Directors, Captain of Rescue; Secretary, Talleyville Volunteer Fire Company (Delaware), (1946-1998); Instructor: ARC Delaware Chapter, Wilmington, DE 1956-     ; Honored Life Member, Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Company, 1985-       ; Recipient of Distinguished Svc. Award, State of Delaware, 1986; Lammot duPont Jr. Meml. Award, Delaware Chapter ARC, 1989; National Safety Award, American Traffic Safety Svcs. Award, 1992; Outstanding Volunteer of Year Award, Delaware Safety Counsel, 1996; Named: Man of Year, 1994, American Society Highways Engineers; Honorable Staff Officer, Delaware State Police, 1994; Recipient spl. Recognition Safety Award, Federal Highway Administration, 1994; Member American Society Highway Engineers, (Executor Director, First State Chapter, 1997), New Castle County Fire Chiefs Association (President, 1985-1986); New Castle County Volunteer Firemans Association (President, 1986-1987); Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association (President, 1993-1994); Delaware Highway Engineers, (1^st and 2^nd, Vice President, 1987-1989); Soc. Highway Engineers (President, First State Chapter, 1988-1990); Delaware State Fire Police Association (Hon. Life); Delaware Safety Engineers (President, 1986-1987); in Who’s Who In America, (2000 Millennium Edition, 1999 October) Senior Designer Century Engineering; American Legion (life); VFW (life). Roman Catholic. Avocations:  woodworking, gardening, fishing.

In addition to his parents, Joe is predeceased by his brother Andrew and his sister Joanne. He is survived by his wife of 6 years, Anne M. Vattilana, his son; Joseph W. Vattilana, Jr. (Patti), of Wilmington, DE.,  his daughter; Joy Brenner of Wilmington, DE., and his step-daughter; Courtney Rosine (Mike) of Lexington, KY., 6 grandchildren; Karen, Mark, Meg, Ronan, Allison and Lauren, 6 great-grandchildren; Austin, Mikayla, Sienna, Nikko, Colin and Ryan. He is also survived by his sisters; Dolly, Mary, Sr. Rose and Theresa.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship in Joe’s name has been established with ASHE (American Society of Highway Engineers), donations be written to ASHE First State with “Joe V. Scholarship” in the memo line and mailed to KCI, John Jensen- ASHE First State Section, 1352 Marrows Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE  19702.