Joseph H. Carsello, man of great intelligence
Joseph “Skip” H. Carsello, nee Howard McDonough, 76, of Millsboro, died peacefully with family near him Saturday, March 4, 2023. He was born Dec. 23, 1946, in Detroit, Mich., son of Robert and Isabel McDonough.
Affectionately called Skip throughout his life, he was a man for all seasons, defying many odds. From a Jesuit high school to college, then creating a family, he produced a meaningful and purposeful life. He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, and from the same university later received a bachelor’s Summa Cum Laude in history, political science and education, and a master of arts in public administration.
Joseph was a man of great intelligence, a philosopher, handsome, full of fun, and an exceptional writer. Truly one of a kind, he was resourceful, persistent and a leader. Dealing with illness for the past 35 years, he was always looking to find a cure, a treatment, until one day the Lord called. He lived with pain, but it was no excuse for him, to exercise unlimited resourcefulness and stamina. He worked. He learned to paint. He volunteered. And made plans to visit Sicily. Despite how he felt, he was always groomed and dressed impeccably. His career was interesting and fruitful. Joseph headed up a crime prevention government agency in Puerto Rico, learning the language and eventually founding his own consulting firm assisting nonprofit organizations in fundraising. The beach there was his refuge. Back in the states, he was an executive director of the Prince George County Private Industrial Council, helping women to find gainful employment. He also diversified his career path and managed the menswear department at Macy’s. Whether the executive director of a large social services agency or a checker at a local grocery store, Joseph always gave his best and earned the respect of all around him. He did a lot of volunteer work in prisons, hospitals, and churches, comforting those in distress, sorrow and isolation. He even began a course to become a funeral director so he could help grieving families. Many years into his life, Joseph learned his biological descent was Italian, and he loved knowing about his heritage. He saw beauty not only in things and in nature, but in people. We can all look to his life as a book on perseverance, pain management, forgiveness and acceptance.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen; and grandchild Dakota. He is survived by his son, Anthony (Kayla); his grandchildren, Ashlynn, Anthony Jr. and Kendall; great-granddaughter, Dakota; and his loyal companion, El Chapo.
A memorial service will be held by Joseph’s family at a later date.
Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Joseph’s memory to a local animal shelter.
Visit Skip’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
