Joseph LoBiondo, community volunteer, runner

Joseph LoBiondo crossed his last finish line on his way to heaven surrounded by love and his family.

Joe was born Aug. 19, 1945, in Bridgeton, N.J. He attended Archmere Academy for high school as a three-sport athlete and scholar. His next stop was Boston as a hardworking student who earned an accounting degree at Boston College, holding interesting jobs and having many adventures during his time in his favorite city. 

Joe and Jan, high school sweethearts, were married in Wilmington, on Joe’s birthday in 1967. Joe and Jan moved their family to Lewes in January 1977, where they created a welcoming space for all whether it was on the streets of Lewes or out on “the farm.”

Joe has been active in the community in many ways for many years. His love of running led him to the Seashore Striders Running Club, where he spent many miles on the local roads with fellow runners and early morning hours helping with races. Joe found great pride in being a Cape Henlopen School District school board member, always advocating in the best interest of all kids as students and athletes. Joe was an avid sports fan. He spent years at sporting events, cheering on and coaching not only his beloved children and grandchildren but all their friends and teammates. His support and enthusiasm for others had no boundaries.

Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan Reiter LoBiondo; his daughters, Jennifer Porter (Brad) and Jodie Daminger (Ray); his sons, Michael, Joseph (Sarah) and Jon (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Bryan, Braden, Jessica, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Ellie, Grace, Owen, Dalen and Austen; and his great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Catherine, Kinsley, Lillian and Jack.

The family would like to thank the Tunnell Cancer Center staff, Beebe nursing staff, and his specialized teams for the amazing, compassionate care they provided Dad during his many visits.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at Eagle’s Nest Church, 26633 Zion Church Road, Milton, where friends and family may visit beginning at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate/donate; or Tunnell Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Hwy., Ste. 101, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Visit Joe’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhmes.com.