Joseph William Petrucci, Jr, of Frankford, DE, at the age of 86, passed after a short illness at the Christiana Hospital on February 10th, 2021 with family by his side. Born in Wilmington, DE, Joseph was the son of the late Guiseppe and Angelina (Itarelli) Petrucci. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife and partner through life, Anna Cecelia (Henry) Petrucci; his sister, Caroline (Petrucci) Richards; and beautiful great granddaughter, Makayla Johnson. Joe, with the help of his wife, provided an incredible life for their family. Together they built the home in which they raised their family in the Idella neighborhood of Wilmington, DE. Joe was the textbook definition of hard worker as a member of the Bricklayers Union PA1. First as an apprentice, and then later as master tiler at the urging of his cousin, Mark Funaro. Joe found success when he launched his business, Tile by Joseph. He worked for Pala Brothers Tile & Carpet honing his craft until his retirement in 1995. Joe and Anna later set out to build their retirement dream home in the second city they loved, Bethany Beach, where they often spent weekends and vacations. In their own personal "sand castle", the couple enjoyed entertaining family and friends any time they could. Together they spent countless hours in the sun room enjoying their famous Christmas cactus blooms and most welcome guests, the hummingbirds. Family was Joe's purpose on this earth. Every decision he ever made was intently calculated and thought out. He always considered the consequences of his actions and how his decision would affect his family. At the same time, he had a playful sense of humor that always resulted in a laugh or chuckle; whether it was by trying to trick his grandchildren into thinking he was younger, or asking them if they had a girlfriend or boyfriend, or by giving funny relationship advice. Joe and Anna were most famously known as 'competitive dancers' at weddings and never missed an opportunity to dance at one! They always won the "Longest Married" title, too. Joe truly enjoyed life. Joe honorably served in the Delaware Air National Guard until 1963. He was an avid hunter and firearm collector. He enjoyed being a member of Ducks Unlimited, West End Rod & Gun Club, and Browntown Breakfast Club, comprised of construction industry peers that grew up together. Joe will be dearly missed by the loved ones he has left behind, which include his children, Marguerite (Gordon) Heider of Paducah, KY, Joseph W. (Karen) Petrucci III, Robert (Cora) Petrucci, and Joann (Patrick) Dembkoski of Wilmington, DE. Continuing on his family legacy are eleven grandchildren, Jo Anna (Chris) Brown, Melissa Heider, Sarah (Chris) Claycomb, Amanda (Jake) Slocomb, Amber (Chris) Walsh, Ashley Fedorkowicz (John), Scott Sarver, Nate (Kerrie) Heider, Andy (Selina) Heider, Lindsey (Andrew) Hanley, and Pat Dembkoski. He is also survived by his eleven great grandchildren, Carter, Penelope, Joey, Katelyn, Bailey, Drew, Jackson, Aiden, Adelina, Justin, and Madison. Joe is also survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; and many close friends whom he considered family. Those close to Joe knew the depth of his own "personal grocery store". This concern for others' food insecurity is why in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joe's name to Saint Matthew's Food Pantry, 901 E Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804 and Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd, Newark, DE 19713. Due to the current pandemic guidelines, services will be held privately, with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be announced at a later date.