Joseph Anthony Bateman, retired firefighter

Joseph Anthony Bateman died Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, peacefully at his home with his wife of 51 years, Jacquelyn Kruger Bateman, by his side.  He was born April 15, 1937, in Washington, D.C., he served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a District of Columbia firefighter.  He raised his family in Bowie, Md. and retired to Lewes in 1997.  He was an avid fisherman, sail boater and gadget man.  Joe enjoyed his family and many friends where he shared many happy times and celebrated life.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn; daughters Barbara Smiroldo (Jim) of Deale, Md., Charlotte Poe (Scott) of Stevensville, Md. and Kathryn Shamleffer (Ed) of Huntingtown, Md.; and eight grandchildren; stepmother Juanita Bateman of Spencerville, Md.; brother John Bateman (Jeanne) of Dares Beach, Md.; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway,  Lewes, from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5. Burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial  Cemetery in Millsboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.