Joseph T. Gawinski, Jr. peacefully passed away on February 17, 2024 at the age of 100 surrounded by his family. Born in Hedgeville, Wilmington, Delaware, he graduated from Wilmington High School. Joe raised his first family in Wilmington Manor and spent the last half of his life in Blue Rock Manor. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph T. Gawinski, Sr. and Eva Birowski Gawinski, his sister, Mary Rucinski, and his brother, Ed Gawinski.
He shared 23 years of marriage with Florence Kolodziejski until her passing in 1971. They raised five children: Michael (Diane), Joe, Kathy, Barbara (Phil Stern) and Bob (Linda).
He then shared 45 years of marriage with Jean Vattilana, until her passing in 2020, and her two children: Joe (Patti) and Joy Brenner (Park - deceased).
He is survived by twelve grandchildren: Christiane (Chris), Michael (Kelsey), Jordan (Michael), Stephen, Taylor (Nirvanna), Dylan, Jonathan, Michele (Tom), Jessica, Karen (Phil), Meg (Dan) and Mark (Jenna) and thirteen great-grandchildren: Victoria, Julia, Marius, Gwenyvere, Emma, Colin, Ryan, Austin, Mikayla, Sienna, Niko, Charlie and Avery. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Joe served in the United States Army during WWII in the European Theater. He worked for the DuPont Company at the Edgemoor Plant for 37 years and offered many volunteer hours in churches, schools, and athletic events. During his 38-year retirement he enjoyed fishing, traveling, being a grandfather and great-grandfather, bowling, golfing, and participating in the DuPont retiree breakfast group. Those who knew him were influenced by his example of how to be a good husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, employee, and neighbor. They also enjoyed his many stories and practical jokes and learned a great deal about home remodeling and maintenance.
Family and friends may call on 2/26/24 from 6-8 pm at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington. Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on 2/27/24 at 11am, with the eulogy at 10:45 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy where he will be laid to eternal rest.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
