Joseph Michael Flanagan's Obituary
Joseph Michael Flanagan (February 1, 1954 - September 23, 2024)
Beloved father and husband to whom family was the center of his universe.
Joseph Michael Flanagan, 70, of Lewes, DE, died in Philadelphia, PA on September 23, 2024.He was born in Jersey City in 1954 to Joseph Flanagan and Rachael MacNeil.
Joe met the love of his life, Crystal, in 1981 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 on June 30, 1981, and spent 43 incredibly happy years together. Unfortunately, the lens cap was not removed from the camera and had 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, as well as brothers and sisters in law, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends and family may visit beginning at 2:00 PM.
All those unable to attend the services are invited to join the service via livestreaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11526541/LTWebcast
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to The American Heart Association or a battered women’s shelter of their choice, as he often made donations to these organizations.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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