Joseph "Joe" Dondero

Joseph “Joe” Dondero, age 75, of New Castle, DE, was surrounded by family when he passed away on June 1, 2023 after a sudden illness. Joe proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an Army Ranger and attended OCS, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant before his Honorable Discharge after being stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. Joe was a long-standing member of Vietnam Vets Legacy Motorcycle Club and Firebase Lloyd, where he was affectionately known as “Hondero” since he bucked the system (once again) and rode a Honda motorcycle instead of a Harley. He was a lifetime member of the Atterbury VFW Post 3420 and a current member of the American Legion Stahl Post 30. Joe worked at Phoenix Steel and General Motors, and still got together with fellow coworkers to regularly golf and ski. His most recent ski trip was to Colorado earlier this year. Joe also loved country line dancing and went out multiple times a week dressed in his cowboy flair. He was active to the very end, recently celebrating his 75th birthday by going indoor skydiving. He was extremely social, lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. Joe kept everyone entertained with stories about his adventures and his never-ending quest for a good deal! Family meant a lot to Joe and spending time with his children and grandchildren brought him great joy. We will all remember his many summertime pool parties, his multiple Halloween nights spent dressing up and scaring trick or treaters, and his latest appearance as the Easter Bunny at our annual egg hunt. Joe is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Konow (Matt) and Dana Zingo (Nick); grandchildren: Aubrey, Eleanore, Drew, Russell, and Evan; siblings, Betty Dondero and Anna Marie Gibason; his former spouse, Terry Dondero-Odgers; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Logue); brother, Robert Dondero; and his brother-in-law George Gibason . A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 4:30-6:15 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of Joe’s life at 6:30 PM. Afterwards friends and family are invited to walk next door to the Atterbury VFW for refreshments and fellowship in the hall. A short visitation will be held on July 3, 2023 from 11-11:30 AM at Strano and Feeley, where an Honor Escort will accompany Joe to Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery for burial. A ceremony will begin at the cemetery promptly at 1 PM where Joe will receive military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to General W. W. Atterbury VFW Post 3420. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Joseph "Joe" Dondero

February 22, 1948 - June 1, 2023

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