Joseph John Apostolico, Sr, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wilmington, DE, Joe was the youngest son of the late Thomas and Margaret Apostolico. He is a 1955 graduate of Wilmington High School where he played football and was named All State. Joe worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years, the last 9 spent as President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Local 191. He also served for 20 years with the Delaware Air National Guards. Joe will be remembered for his love of family; a devoted father and grandfather who was proud of his children and grandchildren. With his wife Bernice, there was always a reason to have a party in which everyone was welcome. Many memories and stories are retold about the countless picnics and crab feast in the back yard, the many gatherings at the beach and every holiday at their house. He and Bernice loved to travel, having toured Europe on several occasions and having traveled extensively across the US. Joe was also very well-known around Wilmington, there was not a bar or restaurant he entered in which he would not know someone. Joe is predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years Bernice; his parents, Thomas and Margaret Apostolico; his brothers, James and Thomas Apostolico; and his sisters, Florence Dische and Elizabeth Rawlins. He will be dearly missed by his children, Joseph Jr. and his wife, Eileen, of Ft. Washington, PA, Leslie Bacon and her husband, Martin of Gap, PA, Philip and his wife, Suzanne, of Raleigh, NC, and Cynthia Heckler of Gap, PA; his nine grandchildren Eric and his wife Erin, Taylor, Philip, Lauren, Kaleigh, Nicholas, Sean, Abigayle and Kyle; his brother, Marty Apostolico, as well as many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington on Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. A private service will folllow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Seasons Hospice Foundation or to the American Lung Association. On-line condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com