How do you fit 97 years into this small space? You fill every word with love, just like Joseph L. Barranco did before he left this earth to meet his Lord on October 20, 2022. When he was born in Salisbury, MD on St. Patrick's Day (a birthday he shared with his first grandson), we should have known he'd have a certain magical spunk – St. Patrick was Italian, after all!

While his early life was challenged by a stay in St. James Roman Catholic Protectory, a home for children who could not be with their family, he would often reminisce about his days there and enjoyed riding through Delaware City to see the old area. And he certainly made up for those years without his family by becoming the patriarch of one so strong and so close, all starting with his wife, Minnie C. Guida, whom he met upon discharge from the United States Marines, where he became a Staff Sargent during World War II.

Joseph and Minnie shared a love that many of us can only hope for, and that we were so grateful to witness, married 62 years until her death in 2009. An unwavering and steadfast caregiver to Minnie, our greatest joy in this moment is that they are reunited, and together once again, safe in the love that guided them through the ups and downs of this life.

Always the most generous soul, Joseph's early work years were devoted to making prosthetics for disabled children and adults, before he moved on to a long career with NVF from which he retired. Joseph was an active member of St. Matthew's parish since moving to Woodcrest in 1952, where he was an usher for many years and worked on the First Annual Catholic Appeal.

While parishioner, worker, husband and father were just a few of his titles, we are convinced that his favorite, by far, was PopPop. In all of his years, including this last one, he tried to never miss an event, most recently celebrating Veteran's Day with his great-granddaughters, Carmela and Rylee, at Delaware Military Academy. For years, he would save his loose change in a tiny piggy bank, and when it was full, all of his great grandchildren took turns receiving it. Owen and Beau, two of the newest additions, have the honor of his last gift!

Our family, and the love we share with one another, come directly from him weaving this beautiful life story through all of us. Joseph had 14 brothers and sisters, all of whom he reconnected with after his time in the orphanage, and all of whom preceded him in death except John Poncia and Louise Poncia Gurczenski. Between him and Minnie's extended family, he enjoyed – and always took great care to stay in touch with- nearly 50 nieces and nephews, many of whom visited him in his final days, showing just how much of an impact a little bit of love can make.

Joseph is also survived by his children, Joseph Barranco (Maryann), both of whom devoted many hours to his final care, and Lucy O'Donnell (John), who was Joe's's chauffeur and buddy for many years; his grandchildren Jeffrey (Jill), Megan (Ron) and Andrew (Leah), and great grandchildren, Carmela, Rylee, Liam, Hudson, Zane, Owen and Beau. He is also survived by his former son and daughter in law, Jim O'Donnell (Ann) and Cherry Barranco, all of whom loved and cared for him dearly in his final days.

All are invited to celebrate Joe's life on Monday, October 31, at 11:00am, with mass at St. Matthews followed by military burial next to Minnie at the Veteran's Cemetery. All may visit prior to the mass at 10:00am, and please plan to join the family for lunch following the services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in support of Disabled American Veterans or the Little Sisters of the Poor, or consider doing a good deed for your neighbor in Joseph's honor- because so many lives breathed easier, laughed louder and loved harder because of him, and the best way to honor a life so well lived is to keep that legacy alive.