Joseph Anthony DiPietrantonio W3JDP's Obituary
Joseph Anthony DiPietrantonio W3JDP, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was 86. Born on November 27, 1937, in Ardmore, PA, Joe was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Mafalda “Lily” (DeMarcello) DiPietrantonio.
Joe's journey through life was marked by service, dedication, and adventure. After graduating from Haverford High School, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at the General Surveillance Radar Station in North Truro, MA. It was there he met and married his first wife, Barbara (Silva) Hayes, with whom he raised two daughters, Carol and Lisa.
Following his military service, Joe embarked on a successful career as an electronics engineer. He worked for Honeywell Corporation before relocating to California, where he spent over four decades with Interstate Electronics Corporation. His work took him and his family around the globe, including a memorable three-year stint in Dunoon, Scotland. Upon returning to the U.S., Joe settled in northern Virginia, where he served as the IEC/Washington Program Manager and liaison to the U.S. Navy SSP office. During this time, he met and married his loving wife, Agnes (Danna).
Retirement in 2003 allowed Joe to pursue one of his lifelong dreams—becoming a licensed HAM radio operator (W3JDP). He was an active member and Treasurer of the Lewes Amateur Radio Group (LARS). Joe also gave back to his community in various ways, volunteering at the New Life Thrift Store and driving for Meals on Wheels for many years. A devoted member of St. Edmond’s RC Church, Joe was well-known and respected within his local community.
Joe had a deep passion for travel, and over the years he explored the world, visiting China, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Mexico, and many parts of the United States. He cherished every adventure and the memories they created.
He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Marie Bernard, and his stepdaughter Amy (Danna) Mead. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by his devoted wife, Agnes; his daughters Carol DiPietrantonio and her children, Dylan and Devon Hales; Lisa Snow Beaudin (Marc) and her four children, Nathan, Grant, Francesca, and Willa Snow. He is also survived by his sister, Phylis Flynn (Vince); his cherished 100-year-old aunt, Yolanda Tengalio; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11am at Parsell Funeral Homes in Lewes, DE, with visitation from 10-11am prior to the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Resource Center, 37510 Oyster House Rd., Rehoboth Beach, DE, 19971, or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE, 19963.
Joe will be remembered for his kindness, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering love for family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL FLOWERS DELIVERED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 BY 2:00PM TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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