Joseph M. LeVan Sr., dedicated firefighter
Joseph M. LeVan Sr., 70, of Millsboro, formerly of New Castle County, passed away surrounded by his loving family Thursday, April 8, 2021, at his home.
Joe was born in Wilmington Feb. 26, 1951, son of the late Paul and Emma (Hutchinson) LeVan. He was a graduate of William Penn High School and retired after serving in several capacities for New Castle County.
Joe’s tenure in the Delaware Volunteer Fire Services spanned more than 50 years where he served on many committees and functions within the county, state and regional fire service entities. He joined Good Will Fire Company in 1970 at the age of 19, and later joined Indian River in 2001. Joe culminated his tenure in the Delaware Valley Fire Chiefs Association in 2014 by serving as its president.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet R. LeVan in 2015; a sister, Annie Lambdin; and a brother, John LeVan. He is survived by his son, Joseph LeVan Jr. and his wife Juana; a daughter, Barbara Atkins and her husband Andrew; and five grandchildren, Izabella LeVan, Joseph LeVan III, Joseph McDowell, Abigail McDowell and Emma McDowell. Joe is also survived by a brother, Paul LeVan and his wife Mary Ann; two sisters, Mary Vied and her husband Richard, and Virginia Harless; several nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters in the fire service.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 17, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. A private funeral service will follow at the funeral home. Following the funeral, a procession with firefighter honors will be held at the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company. Interment will be private. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols will be observed and masks must be worn for those in attendance of any aspect of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Joe’s name to the Good Will Volunteer Fire Company, 401 South St., New Castle, DE 19720, or Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Apparatus Fund, 32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
