Joseph "Joe" Nitsche Sr.

Joseph “Joe” Nitsche, Sr., age 90, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his family. The world, along with his beloved mother, Ellen (Begley) Nitsche, welcomed Joe with fireworks on January 1, 1935, and he lived his life with the same spark and warmth. Joe’s devotion to his family began at a young age. In the 10th grade, he left school to support his mother and seven sisters, stepping into a role far beyond his years. That decision reflected the core of who Joe was: selfless, resilient, and always putting family first. Throughout his life, Joe worked a wide array of jobs, including a machinist at Electric Hose & Rubber, a delivery driver for several companies and parimutuel teller at various racetracks. Joe carried this same strength of character throughout his life, and it became the foundation of the values he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Joe was also a private in the Delaware Army National Guard. Joe married his beloved wife, Elaine, on October 5th, 1957, in Wilmington, surrounded by their families and friends. They later welcomed their greatest gifts in life, their five wonderful children. Joe worked tirelessly to ensure all of his children attended twelve years of Catholic school. He was the cornerstone of his family, teaching by example what it meant to work hard, love deeply and keep faith at the center of life. A devoted Catholic, Joe rarely missed a mass at St. Matthew’s and enjoyed every opportunity to banter with Father Hazzard. Family was always the center of Joe’s world. His favorite memories were holidays spent with his ever-growing family, especially Thanksgivings at the farmhouse. One of his greatest joys was cheering from the sidelines at his children’s and grandchildren’s sports games where he was always their biggest fan; they knew, without a doubt, that they had a true fan for life. Joe & Elaine were also ready and able stand-in babysitters for their grandchildren & wonderful family travel companions. Joe also shared a lifelong love of horse racing, which he shared with his many friends at Delaware Park over the years. He never missed a chance to grab a program and put a few dollars on the races of the day. A natural conversationalist, Joe could strike up a friendship with anyone and often did. Joe made new friends everywhere he went, the local McDonald’s, Season’s pizza, nail salons, Cosmo’s, Newport Diner, Dr.’s offices, the bank, anywhere he went! Joe lit up every room he entered- to know him was to know warmth, humor, and the joy of good company. Joe always had a story to tell & would tell them to anyone who would listen! Once you met Joe, you knew you had a friend for life! In addition to his mother, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Billy, and sisters, Rose Marie Donovan, Patsy Rozanski, Barbara Yarusso and Betty Gliniak. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Elaine; their children, Joseph Jr. (Patty), Gary (Dana), Robin (Warren), Pamela (Brian) and Kathleen (Phil); their grandchildren Joseph III (Vanna), Hannah (Justin), Amanda (Aaron), Zachary (Molly), Olivia, Brandon, Brian, Mariah, Dylan, Gabriel and Brandon; three greatgrandchildren Madi, Cameron & Gabi; and his sisters Marge Trimarco, Kass De Seta (Vince) and Jacklyn Kempski. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Matthew’s Church, 901 E Newport Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19804, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in All Saint’s Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Joseph "Joe" Nitsche Sr.

January 1, 1935 - September 29, 2025

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