Joseph Michael Flanagan, beloved husband, father
Joseph Michael Flanagan, 70, of Lewes, died in Philadelphia, Pa., Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. He was born in Jersey City, N.J., Feb. 1, 1954, to Joseph Flanagan and Rachael MacNeil.
Joe met the love of his life, Crystal, in 1981, and they were introduced by his brother, Danny. He thought she was so beautiful and immediately said, “Give me a kiss!” They were married fairly soon after meeting, at a modest wedding at the courthouse June 30, 1981, and spent 43 incredibly happy years together. Unfortunately, the lens cap was not removed from the camera and there were no photos of their wedding day. No matter what hardships they faced over the years, their bond was unbreakable. And they made a point to take many photos wherever they went.
Joe and Crystal had two wonderful daughters, Susan and Keri, who meant the world to them. Despite a rough exterior, Joe loved them fiercely and would have sacrificed anything for their happiness. They knew he was a big teddy bear on the inside. No matter how difficult life might be, they knew home was always there to return to if needed. Also, at Christmas, the joke of shaking a present, no matter the size, and asking, “Is it a deflated basketball,” never got old.
Joe was a talented driver and had driven every vehicle except a motorcycle and school bus. He made a career out of driving, having worked for UPS for 22 years, then as a bus driver for a center for adults with disabilities for a few years during retirement from UPS. He very much enjoyed that job, bringing joy to many, even dressing as Santa Claus one year. One of his passengers said, “I know it’s you, Mr. Joe.”
Anyone who knew Joe knew he loved to fish, watch action movies and Star Trek, and listen to rock and classical music. He and Crystal loved to take cruise vacations together and lounge on the beach any chance possible. He also very much loved a good meal with family, and of course, chocolate cake for dessert, especially on his birthday.
Joe will always be remembered for needing to be on time everywhere he went, always saying “We gotta go,” thus earning the nickname, Gotta Go Joe. He was unapologetic about his boisterous laugh and loud voice. He was grumpy and couldn’t survive without coffee, but was loved dearly for it. We couldn’t have asked for a better father and husband, and we will miss him every day. Joe’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; and his brothers, David Blake, Robert Daniel and William Michael. He is survived by his wife, Crystal; daughters, Susan Conklin (Christofer) and Keri Flanagan; his mother, Rachael; his sister, Mary Michelle, and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may visit beginning at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, or a battered women’s shelter of choice, as he often made donations to these organizations.
Visit Joe's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
