Joseph Anthony DiPietrantonio, veteran, electronics engineer
Joseph Anthony DiPietrantonio W3JDP, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully Sept. 6, 2024, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was 86. Joe was born Nov. 27, 1937, in Ardmore, Pa., beloved son of the late Anthony and Mafalda “Lily” (DeMarcello) DiPietrantonio.
Joe's journey through life was marked by service, dedication, and adventure. After graduating from Haverford High School, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at the General Surveillance Radar Station in North Truro, Mass. It was there he met and married his first wife, Barbara (Silva) Hayes, with whom he raised two daughters, Carol and Lisa.
Following his military service, Joe embarked on a successful career as an electronics engineer. He worked for Honeywell Corporation before relocating to California, where he spent over four decades with Interstate Electronics Corporation. His work took him and his family around the globe, including a memorable three-year stint in Dunoon, Scotland. Upon returning to the U.S., Joe settled in northern Virginia, where he served as the IEC/Washington program manager and liaison to the U.S. Navy SSP office. During this time, he met and married his loving wife, Agnes (Danna).
Retirement in 2003 allowed Joe to pursue one of his lifelong dreams, becoming a licensed ham radio operator (W3JDP). He was an active member and treasurer of the Lewes Amateur Radio Group. Joe also gave back to his community in various ways, volunteering at New Life Thrift Store and driving for Meals on Wheels for many years. A devoted member of St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church, Joe was well-known and respected within his local community.
Joe had a deep passion for travel, and over the years he explored the world, visiting China, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Mexico, and many parts of the United States. He cherished every adventure and the memories they created.
He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Marie Bernard; and his stepdaughter, Amy (Danna) Mead. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and family, and is survived by his devoted wife, Agnes; his daughters, Carol DiPietrantonio, and her children Dylan and Devon Hales; and Lisa Snow Beaudin (Marc), and her four children, Nathan, Grant, Francesca and Willa Snow. He is also survived by his sister, Phylis Flynn (Vince); his cherished 100-year-old aunt, Yolanda Tengalio; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 23, at Parsell Funeral Homes Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Resource Center, 37510 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE, 19963.
Joe will be remembered for his kindness, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering love for family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visit Joseph's Life memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
