Joseph Paul Valentine, proud veteran
Joseph Paul Valentine, known as "Joe" or "Poppy Joe," 74, of Milton, passed away after a long battle with cancer and dementia Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born Sept. 16, 1948, in Oakland, Md., son of the late John and Maxine (Shaffer) Valentine.
A 1966 graduate of William Penn High School, Joe went on to proudly serve the U.S. Army in Vietnam (1968-71). After his return home, he married Virginia “Ginny” Willis Jan. 7, 1977, in Elkton, Md. His long-term career with DuPont started with Chambers Works in New Jersey, and he retired after many dedicated years as an area manager.
Joe was an avid golfer, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an active member of the VFW, serving as commander of Post 2931 and the VVA. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and friends. Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Loved by many, he will be genuinely missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Bethany Valentine. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Virginia “Ginny” Valentine; his children, Stephanie Andrews (Matt), Jeff Valentine (Ann), Chris Valentine (Kelly), Michelle Henderson (Joe) and Heather Hendershot (Kevin); his grandchildren, Bobby Facciolo, Tony Pasquale, Shelby Polce, Levi Valentine, Anthony Disque, Colin Valentine, Lauren Henderson, Dominic Cintorino, Jetta Hastings, Will Hendershot and Kayla Hendershot; his great-grandchildren, Maverick Facciolo, Memphis Facciolo, Solomon Pasquale and Amaris Pasquale; his twin brother, John Valentine; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 13, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, where friends may visit beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s honor may be made to DAV, help.dav.org; or Delaware Hospice, delawarehospice.org/donate.
Visit Joe’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
